Stokes has undergone surgery to repair a broken cheekbone after being struck in the face while being involved in training with the Durham academy.
The 34-year-old had initially planned to play a block of English County Championship fixtures for Durham in April and May after recovering from a groin injury.
Stokes has not played any competitive cricket since England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia in January.
In a video released by the ECB, Stokes said: "I copped one straight in the face. (It was) pretty nasty, but funnily (enough), probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest.
"A couple of inches one way or the other and I might not be here doing this interview if I didn't turn my head around.
"All things considered, although I had pretty major facial surgery to sort it out… I've got quite lucky, so I'm pretty thankful for that."
He added: "It was a pretty scary situation to be in, but thankfully I'm still here and everything's alright."
Stokes is looking to play at least two first-class games ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand that is set to start at Lord's on 4 June.
The England skipper will line up for Durham against Worcestershire (8 May) and Kent (15 May) and will also consider playing for the Lions in a first-class match against South Africa A at Arundel that starts on 22 May.
England Test captain Ben Stokes is "very confident" that he and head coach Brendon McCullum will work well together when the home series against New Zealand gets underway in June.
Harry Brook will play two first-class matches ahead of England's home Test series against New Zealand in June while Joe Root will take part in three games, county side Yorkshire have confirmed.
England Test captain Ben Stokes will be sidelined for at least the next month after undergoing surgery to repair a broken cheekbone.
Ollie Robinson wants to make a statement at the start of the domestic county season and wants to "knock the door down" in the hopes of being recalled to the England Test team.
