Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah regrets losing key players for their World Cup playoff against Egypt but has a solid back-up plan to chalk a favourable result.
Appiah will miss the services of centre-backs Jonathan Mensah and John Boye, who played in last month's qualifier against Zambia, due to injuries.
Red Bull Salzburg's Isaac Vorsah is yet to recover from the knee injury he picked in May.
Midfielder Mohammed Rabiu, who got injured playing for his Russian side FC Kuban during a Europa League assignment, has been sidelined.
Also, versatile defender Harrison Afful is suspended for the first leg tie due to yellow card accumulation.
Appiah must dig deep to select suitable replacements for the uphill task against the seven-time African champions at the Baba Yara Stadium on 15 October.
"Every coach should be worried about such a situation at such a crucial time, but nothing can be done about the injuries. Rather, we have to look for worthy replacements with similar qualities to step up to the plate," Appiah is quoted by the Graphic Sports.
"Experience is something that you cannot gain overnight that's why I consider the absence of John Boye, Jonathan Mensah and Isaac Vorsah as unfortunate but there are first time moments and I hope those called in as replacements will have that experience.
"This is why we have tried as much as possible to make every position very competitive. We have not completely achieved that, but I think every player is determined to play his part to get Ghana to Brazil 2014."