T&T’s chances of qualifying for the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals in Martinique from November 26 to December 5, took a severe blow with the news that four of its overseas players are set to miss the second round qualifiers at home.
With regard to the selection of the team for the tournament Soca Warriors manager, David Muhammad said LA Galaxy midfielder Christopher Birchall, San Jose Earthquakes and striker Cornell Glen are out for certain.
Puerto Rico Islanders’ duo of Kendall Jagdeosingh and Keon Daniel stand a slim chance of being involved in the second round Digicel Caribbean Cup second round Group F qualifiers from November 2 to 6 here in T&T due to club commitments.
The Soca Warriors will host Haiti, Guyana and St Vincent and The Grenadines in the second round qualifiers from which the top two teams will qualify for the eight-team finals in Martinique. The T&T manager explained the deadline for registering the 20-man squad is October 31.
However, the US Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs first-leg quarterfinal matches are carded for October 28 to 31 while the second-leg matches are scheduled November 4 to 7.
“It’s very unfortunate that both the LA Galaxy and Earthquakes did so well in their league and will be involved in the playoff quarterfinal matches.
“We also got word from Puerto Rico Islanders they could only release Jagdeosingh and Daniel from October 31 as well as they are expected to be involved in USL First Division playoffs and Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal play.
“This means four of our players coming into the team would be coming into the camp two days before our first match which I don’t think is an ideal situation for us.