Bermuda’s preparations for their remaining World Cup qualifying group matches next month have been dealt another blow as forward Kane Crichlow has been ruled out through injury.

The Watford forward has a groin problem, which put paid to his plans of taking part in the Concacaf Zone group B matches. against Surinam and Cayman Islands

“This injury has just set me back a little,” Crichlow told The Royal Gazette. “Right now I’m just nursing this groin issue I’ve been having for a while.”

The 20-year-old burst on to the senior international scene, scoring three goals in his first two games for Bermuda in their opening World Cup qualifying matches against Canada and Aruba.

He netted Bermuda’s consolation in a 5-1 defeat on debut against Canada and a brace in the 5-0 thrashing of Aruba.

“He will definitely be a miss but these things happen in football so we just have to move on and it also gives others opportunities,” Kyle Lightbourne, the Bermuda coach, said.

“He was our standout player in the two previous games and scored three goals in two games. He’s done well and it would be nice to see him in our full-strength team, but we need him to be healthy.

“The reason why he is not with us is because he is not healthy at this present time so hopefully he’ll get himself in the fitness he needs to be in and go from there.”

Crichlow’s injury is yet another setback for Lightbourne’s team who lost the services of Danté Leverock, the captain, after he announced his retirement from international football this week, while Nahki Wells has all but ruled himself out.

Meanwhile, Crichlow expressed his delight after promoted Watford exercised the option of a one-year extension to an initial two-year contract he signed in the summer of 2019.

“I’m excited that the dream is still going and I get to continue my development at the club,” he said.

Watford made an immediate return to the English top flight after finishing in the Sky Bet Championship’s second automatic promotion place.

“I’m really happy for the club being able to achieve promotion back to the Premier League, especially the year after relegation,” Crichlow added.

“It wasn’t an easy task. But everyone did their part and we’re all proud of each other for all the hard work they’ve put in.”