Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Reggae Boy Ricardo Fuller is doubtful for the start of Jamaica's World Cup qualification campaign against the Bahamas tomorrow, after sustaining an injury in a bruising 1-2 loss to Grenada in their midweek friendly international.

The forward scored Jamaica's lone goal in the disappointing loss, but had to be substituted in the second half after a crunching challenge. Fuller, who plies his trade for promoted English Premier League (EPL) team Stoke City, despite being in gear, watched from the sidelines for most of the Reggae Boyz training session on Thursday.

Although named in the original starting line-up for tomorrow's game, technical director René Simoes now doubts the player will be totally healthy for the opening whistle.

"It's going to be very difficult for Fuller. I don't think he will be ready," Simoes said.

"I didn't want to say anything about Wednesday's game, but the play he got injured on was not only a penalty but the guy almost broke his leg. We lost Phillips (Demar) the same way," he added.

Excellent season

Coming off an excellent season for Stoke, Fuller netted 15 times and will be hoping to replicate that form for the national team.

Midfielder Phillips, who also plays for Stoke City, went through light training drills and is expected to be ready for the game.

In Fuller's absence, Luton Shelton, who represents English Championship division club Sheffield United, is expected to partner with Wigan's Marlon King up front in the starting line-up.

With the start of the qualifier only a couple hours away, the team's chemistry is still a source of concern for Simoes, who has several new players in a squad which consists of at least 18, who ply their trade abroad.

Play together

"The team is getting along but we don't know each other as yet, but it will come. However, as a professional, you have to go out there and play together," Simoes said.

"I think right now, we have plenty of quality and all the players are really trying to work on the chemistry, so that is a positive," he added.

Jamaica will tackle The Bahamas in the second leg of the qualifier at the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium on Wednesday.