Proteas coach Mickey Arthur feels it is important to send 15 players on the four-test tour because some may need a break.
"Dale Steyn has been playing non-stop cricket since September last year. He seems a little tired," Arthur said on Monday.
The Proteas had only 14 players when they toured India earlier this year. Nel was not included and Charl Langeveldt, who was chosen in his place, later withdrew because he felt there were doubts about the merits of his selection.
Langeveldt was then replaced by Monde Zondeki.
If 15 players are sent to England, both Nel and Zondeki should be in the team to be announced in June. The first test starts on July 10.
Arthur said he would like to give Steyn a rest before the start of the first test. "The idea is for him to be at his best by July 10. We'll have to plan carefully to ensure this happens."
Steyn is playing for the Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League. But with the Challengers at the bottom of the points table, Steyn, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher should be back in South Africa before the playoffs.
Zondeki has meanwhile been offered a new contract by Cricket SA after Langeveldt signed a Kolpak contract with English country Derbyshire.
Langeveldt, an important member of the national ODI squad, and Zondeki starred for the Cape Cobras in the recent domestic season.
After Shaun Pollock's retirement from international cricket, Langeveldt would have been given the role of new-ball bowler in the SA team. However, he opted for the financial security of county cricket.
Zondeki now has an opportunity to secure a place in the Proteas side. He is also playing county cricket, but only as an overseas player, Therefore he is still eligible for the SA team.
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