Nahki Wells is likely to miss Bermuda’s trip to Guatemala for the second round of World Cup qualifying because of a troublesome left ankle injury.

The Bermuda captain admits he is concerned about further aggravating the injury, which he picked up in training last week, but remains optimistic of recovering for the second leg at the National Stadium next Monday.

The 25-year-old, who watched Bermuda’s 1-1 friendly draw against Puerto Rico from the stands on Friday, said he cannot afford to take any risks considering his history of ankle problems.

“I don’t think I will make the Guatemala trip,” said the Huddersfield Town striker. “It just depends on how quick my ankle settles, but I’ll be doing all I can to get fit.

“It was a freak injury, I just blocked a clearance and twisted my ankle. Since then it’s reacted in ways I didn’t expect and it’s definitely a recurrence of a problem I already had.

“That’s why I have to be extra careful and cautious. I can’t be as reckless as I was as a teenager when I really injured it.”

Wells had surgery on the same ankle when he was 18 after suffering a serious injury against Puerto Rico in a friendly at the National Stadium in 2008.

Although Wells is desperate to face Guatemala, he said he needs to put himself first while recovering from his latest injury setback as he cannot afford to jeopardise his pre-season with Huddersfield.

“Ultimately I have a job, I have a career, and playing for Bermuda is not my job,” said Wells, who is the Island’s first million-pound player.

“Obviously I want to do everything I can to help my country, but I have to go back to my club as healthy as possible. I can’t afford to return to Huddersfield with an injury issue.

“The reality is that playing on Friday could hinder that. If my ankle is not right, it won’t happen.

“People who understand football know I have to do what’s best for me. I have spoken to Andrew Bascome [the Bermuda coach] and he told me that I have to do what’s right for my career.”

The former Bradford City striker is confident Bermuda can achieve a positive result in Guatemala and return home for the second leg with a fighting chance of reaching the third round.

He pointed out that Bermuda have a proven track record of punching above their weight against the region’s so-called big teams, having beaten Trinidad & Tobago twice in the previous two qualifying campaigns.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough game, but I know Andrew is looking to go down there and come back with a positive result for the home leg,” said the former Dandy Town Hornets player.

“It’s a tough ask, they’re a big team in this region, but that shouldn’t worry us. We usually do better against the top teams.

“The bigger the occasion, the bigger the prize and that should always bring out the best in any player.”