THE Ba soccer side is expected to miss a few top players for the opening match of the Pillay Garments Champion versus Champion series against Suva in Lautoka this Sunday.
Midfielders Rinal Prasad and Kiniviliame Naika are both injured. The duo sustained the injuries during the Pacific Cup in New Zealand last month.
Manueli Kalou and Alvin Singh have opted out of the match because of personal commitments.
A cloud of doubt surrounds the availability of Osea Vakatalesau. The lanky striker copped a red card during the final of the Pacific Cup against Nadi.
Ba Football Association president Rishi Kumar said the match against Suva would be interesting as it would be played on a neutral venue.
He said the first match would be the decider.
"There are a few injury concerns in the team," Kumar said.
"The players picked up the injuries in New Zealand. Abbu Zahid has recovered. Osea just came back to train on Tuesday.
"The match against Suva will be tough. We have had very short time to prepare the team. After a long time a CVC match will be played at a neutral venue."
Ba holds the record in the CVC winning the title 16 times.