Bermuda national team manager Lionel Tannock yesterday downplayed the injuries of key players Stefan Kelly and Janeiro Tucker.

The two cricketers sustained hamstring and groin injuries respectively on the Island’s current tour of Antigua.

But with Bermuda’s first-ever involvement in the World Cup less than two weeks away, Tannock assured that both should make complete recoveries in time for the start of the tournament.

“According to the physio (Craig Brown), Stefan should be up and ready by the time we reach St.Vincent (later this week), while Janeiro seems to have improved as well after pulling his groin,” Tannock said.

“He (Tucker) was willing to play this morning (against Canada) but the coaching staff thought it best to rest him today. But both players appear to be ready and are raring to go.”

Kelly, who was left out of both tri-series matches against Bangladesh and Canada, pulled his hamstring early in the tour during a practice session at the Falmouth Grounds, while Tucker pulled his groin muscle as he attempted to bowl over the stumps during Sunday’s eight-wicket loss to Bangladesh.

Both players are under the care of physio Brown and have taken part in stretching exercises with the rest of the team.

“They need the rest, and we don’t want to risk having them re-injure themselves. We are optimistic they will be up and ready to play before March 5,” Tannock added.

“But this will also give the coach an opportunity to have a look at some of the other players as well.”