I have Shimano FC-M591 9 speed cranks on my Audax bike and these come in 48-36-26 & 44-32-22 forms, same 104/64 BCD & 4 bolt holes, I have the taller version with 12-36 cassette but my legs often wonder if the lower geared version would convert me into a super randonneur? Ideally a 22 tacked onto the 48-36 might be nice but there is likely some reason it would not work.
Put it in small/small and measure the gap between the chain and the bottom of the front derailleur cage.
The chain will move 2mm down for every tooth lost on the small chainring.
So going 26t->22t moves the chain down by 8mm, do you have a big enough gap ??
If you do, then it will work.
Luck ..........