Gayle

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC):

Explosive opener Chris Gayle and key all-rounder Dwayne Bravo are set to miss West Indies' first warm-up game of the Twenty20 World Cup against Kenya today.

Gayle, the team's vice-captain, is struggling with a bruised knee, while Bravo has been sidelined with a 'flu-like' virus over the past few days and is yet to recover.

Head coach David Moore said, however, neither player was in serious danger of missing the curtain raiser against South Africa next Tuesday.

"Chris missed out on the preparations today (Friday) because yesterday, while batting in the nets he got struck on the outer portion of his right knee after the ball missed his pad," Moore explained.

"It has turned into a serious bruise and the physiotherapist (Jacqui King Mowatt) is going to keep a close eye on that and hopefully he will be right for the [second warm-up] game against New Zealand (on Sunday). There is no major damage, it's just a matter of giving him time to restand recover."

Moore said Bravo had not taken part in any practice sessions since arriving, but appeared to be improving steadily.

"Bravo has been ill with a flu-like virus since arriving and he has been treated by the doctor here. We haven't been able to include him in our preparations so far," Moore said.

"He is getting better every day and we are hoping that he might be available for the second warm-up game against New Zealand and definitely hopeful that he will play the opening game against South Africa."