Bermuda coach Michael Findlay expects Nahki Wells to be available for two crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June.

The Gombey Warriors face Cayman Islands at home on June 4 and Cuba away six days later. Success in those matches will see Findlay’s side progress to the third and final round of the qualifiers to be played later this year.

Bermuda sit bottom of group A after a 1-1 draw away against Antigua & Barbuda as well as a 6-1 loss to Honduras at home. They need to finish in the top two to stand a chance of remaining in contention for next year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

While disappointed that the Bristol City forward chose to skip the two-legged Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary round fixtures against Honduras, Findlay believes the 34-year-old will be part of the team. Since the two matches are coming during the off season, chances of the former Bermuda captain being available appear to be high.

“Nahki’s absence for the matches against Honduras is a big blow for us,” Findlay told The Royal Gazette.

“Obviously we will miss the quality that Nahki brings to our group and we look forward to him rejoining us in June for our World Cup matches against Cayman Islands and Cuba. We look to our exciting players to contribute to that loss. That has to be the objective for our entire group.”

With Danté Leverock, Harry Twite and Luke Robinson, who have formed a trusted backline for Findlay since he took over in August 2023, unavailable through injury against Honduras, the Canadian is looking on the bright side.

The absence of Twite and Leverock presents the high chance of Julian Carpenter partnering Lejaun Simmons at the heart of the defence, with the returning J’Nai Butterfield-Steede slotting in at left back and Reese Jones Jr playing at right back.

In an effort to fortify the midfield, Eusebio Blankendal, who usually plays right back or central defence for Dandy Town, is likely to be deployed as double pivot with Roger Lee.

“We would have loved to have some players available, but the staff is extremely pleased with those who have been available and selected,” the coach said.

“It has been a community effort by players to provide us the opportunity to play in the 2025 Gold Cup play off matches and meaningful World Cup qualifying matches in June.

“In the end, that's the objective no matter who plays. Our work will continue to be to select the best players possible for Bermuda.”

Findlay has also addressed the availability of the talented duo of Deniche Hill and Sincere Hall, who are seen as the future of Bermudian football. Hill is on the books of English Premier League club Leicester City while Hall is at Sky Bet Championship side Hull City.

“Any player who is eligible for Bermuda is always under consideration as it is our goal to grow our pool of players,” the coach said.

“As it relates to Sincere, he continues to be a target for us and has been asked in the past to join us, but has declined due to his commitment to his club activities. We are hopeful he gets his opportunity in the near future.

“As for Deniche, he has removed himself from national team selection due to personal reasons. As you know, he was involved early in my tenure, but communicated to us that he didn't want to be considered in the future.

“If that changes, we are happy to once again evaluate his performances and consider him for selection.”

One notable omission for the matches against Honduras is Rahzir Smith-Jones. The 24-year-old, who appeared twice for Bermuda in 2019, has netted 18 times and provided eight assists in 43 appearances for English non-football league side Binfield.

“We have been aware and watching him [Rahzir] and he was selected for this camp but had a conflict with the camp time and could not accept,” Findlay added.

“We will continue monitoring him and look forward to a future possible selection.”