SAO PAULO, Brazil — Persistent injuries to Jamaica’s Under-17 goalkeepers Odean Clarke and Nico Campbell forced the cancellation of their practice match against Desportivo Brasil Under-16s yesterday, which really irked the Traffic Academy staff.

Clarke is nursing a ‘grade two’ groin injury over the past week, while Campbell has a niggling hamstring injury and word from head coach Wendell Downswell is that both players will need rest for the next five days.

“Both goalkeepers are injured and the doctor (Dr Ivor O’Connor) has given one at least five days, and the other five to six days as it relates to the injuries in the recovery process. That is what we are faced with and we cancelled the game,” Downswell explained.

But the cancellation by the Jamaicans left the Desportivo Brasil staff livid, as the Under-16 boys should have broken camp on Wednesday, but stayed on an extra day to accommodate the Jamaicans and play the match.

“The whole atmosphere and camaraderie has been good and it is just unfortunate with what transpired,” said Downswell.

But with the Jamaican team scheduled to vacate the Traffic Academy next Monday, Downswell said there will still be time to schedule a game against them.

Luckily for Downswell, the next game is scheduled for January 9 and there will be time for the goalkeepers to recover.

As for why a third-string goalkeeper was not on tour from the outset, Downswell explained:

“What we were exploring and still exploring the possibility… because when we look at the keepers presently, we are looking in the next two weeks at someone from North America or England and hopefully by now and the next three to four days and we will make some adjustment as it relates to that.”

With the current crisis existing in the camp, goalkeeper Richard Trench from Rusea’s High School will join the camp and should arrive in Brazil next Tuesday.

The Jamaicans are preparing for the 12-team CONCACAF Under-17 Championship which will be held in Jamaica between February 14-27. The top four teams will advance to the FIFA World Cup set for Mexico in June 2011.

Jamaica are drawn against Guatemala and Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago in Group C. The top two teams advance to the quarter-final.

To date, the young Reggae Boyz have played four practice games against Under-18 opponents, losing 3-2 against Saltense; 4-0 against Uniao; 5-1 against Desportivo Brasil, while drawing 3-3 with Paulinia on Tuesday.