The Bermuda squad has been announced for the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary round matches against Honduras this month.

While captain Dale Eve makes a return for the matches on March 21 and 25, Bermuda will be without defensive regulars Danté Leverock, Harry Twite and Luke Robinson through injury.

Forward Nahki Wells told The Royal Gazette he is unavailable for the two-legged play-off as he focuses on Bristol City’s promotion push, with Kole Hall, Justin Donawa and Andrew Kempe also unavailable.

Coach Michael Findlay has spoken of the difficulties he has faced in forming a squad with a number of his first-choice players not making their way to the island this week.

“Our selections for the March camp have brought about some challenges such as injury, club conflicts and contract status for some players,” Findlay said.

“We will unfortunately be without Danté Leverock, Harry Twite and Luke Robinson due to injury. Along with the entire group, they are extremely disappointed not to be part of the March matches as they have been key performers for us since my arrival in August 2023.

“Our thoughts are with Danté, Harry and Luke. In Danté and Harry’s case, we are confident we will have them available to us for our critical Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in June.

“In addition, Nahki Wells, Kole Hall, Justin Donawa, and Andrew Kempe, who have been past members of the squad, are examples of this challenge and how we must manage these situations to the best of our ability and interests.

“This unavailability of players for the smaller member associations in Concacaf is an unfortunate reality of football in the region.

“But situations like this provide an opportunity to grow our squad and look to create the internal competition required at the international level.

“Our March selections have done just that with the selection of players such as former under-20 player Max Mobray and seeing the return to the squad of Lejaun Simmons following a long-term injury. We also welcome Kieron Richardson, formerly of Dubai City of the UAE League and now of Colorado Springs University in the US.

“These selections also include the domestic-based player Eusebio Blankendal, whose display in our recent domestic camp has put him into consideration.

“This is why it is so important to continue our quest to explore new and performance-based additions to our long list of potential players domestically and globally so we can fill gaps which may occur in our squad at any given time.”

Findlay believes Bermuda playing for a spot at the Gold Cup is an indication of the island’s vast improvement.

“Our qualification to the 2025 Gold Cup play-off matches is obviously something we should celebrate as we are one of 14 teams out of 41 Concacaf nations participating,’’ he said.

“It is also a reflection on our programme and the performance of our players throughout the 2024 Nations League matches and is an obvious sign of growth.

“This success also comes at a price and a huge challenge for us on many levels. But the reward for success is qualification to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and this would be monumental for Bermuda and Bermudian football overall.

“I know the players and staff are excited about this challenge and are looking forward to once again testing themselves against the seventh-ranked team in Concacaf.

“This is why we play football at the end of the day. To compete at the highest level possible and provide our fans an opportunity to support their team with the dream of a trip to the 2025 Gold Cup.”