University of Wales and Cardiff student Stephen Outerbridge is expected to make a full recovery after bruising his left hand prior to Bermuda's opening World Cup qualifier against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday.

The Bailey's Bay stalwart, who claimed five wickets against a South Africa High Performance Centre XI last week, injured himself attempting to take a return catch off his own bowling.

However, x-rays revealed no broken bones and Bermuda coach Gus Logie is confident his key batsman will be back in the thick of action later this week.

"We are certain Stephen will be ready for the next game.

"He may even get in one of two practice sessions before Wednesday," he said.

"The last game we played (against Tuks Academy) Stephen tried to take a return catch and bruised his hand and had to get an x-ray.

"It was pretty swollen, but fortunately there was no bones broken."

Last week Bermuda lost the services of opening batsman Chris Douglas who broke his left thumb executing a sharp catch in the covers during a practice match.

He has now been replaced by all-rounder Jacobi Robinson.