Nahki Wells has ruled himself out of Bermuda’s international friendly matches in the Caribbean next month.

The Gombey Warriors will play Antigua and Barbuda on March 21 before facing Barbados on March 25.

Wells missed Bermuda’s Caribbean Cup campaign in 2016 and has not played for his country since scoring twice in a World Cup qualifier at home to Bahamas almost three years ago.

The 27-year-old, who plays for Burnley in the Premier League, captained Bermuda in that 3-0 victory.

“I am not available through family reasons,” the striker told The Royal Gazette.

Wells signed for Burnley for £5 million from Huddersfield Town on transfer-deadline day in August, making his long-awaited debut in a 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur in December.

Reggie Lambe, the Carlisle United winger, has replaced Wells as Bermuda’s captain but is also doubtful for the friendlies as his club are still hoping to force their way into the Sky Bet League Two play-offs.

The match with Barbados is part of a home-and-away arrangement between the Bermuda Football Association and the Barbados Football Association.

Barbados came from behind to beat Bermuda 3-2 at the National Stadium in October in what was the first meeting between the two countries in nine years.

As part of Concacaf’s League of Nations, set to be launched in Miami next month, Bermuda could play up to 36 matches over the course of a four-year cycle that would represent a seismic shift for the island, who have historically struggled for games.

Bermuda are coached by Kyle Lightbourne, who has been in charge on an interim basis since Andrew Bascome stepped down in August 2017 after five years. Lightbourne previously coached Bermuda from 2005 to 2007 and also coaches the Bermuda Under-20s.

• The BFA will hold the FA Cup semi-final, Masters Knockout Cup and Expansion League Knockout Cup draws at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence today at 12 noon.