Kinlochshiel will be without injured full back David Falconer for at least six weeks in a frustrating start to the season for the Wester Ross club.
Falconer sustained a shoulder injury in the opening-day defeat at Glenurquhart and has a broken collarbone.
Manager Colin Fraser said: “David had been excellent in pre-season games, so it’s a shame for the lad and he’s a loss to the team. We expect him to be sidelined for at least six weeks. Paul MacRae, who played at full back last season, will be switched as replacement.”
Shiel are monitoring the fitness of experienced attacker Gordon MacDonald, who picked up a pre-season knee injury after missing much of last season.
“Gordon’s a worry but we’re hoping he can be back in a couple of weeks or so,” said Fraser.
Fraser said Shiel’s home Premiership game against Inveraray tomorrow is in doubt due to a wet pitch.
Kyles Athletic said there was no chance of their pitch being ready in time and the Camanachd Association has switched their home game against Newtonmore to the Eilan.
This is a fixture which has created difficulty at the end of the last two seasons but the attempt to schedule it early this time has been beaten by the weather.
Newtonmore manager Paul John Mackintosh said: “Our pitch is fine and we’re delighted the switch has been made in good time.”
The champions have no problems apart from their longer-term injuries for the meeting of last season’s Camanachd Cup finalists.
Lochaber’s game against Glenurquhart at Spean Bridge was called off yesterday because it coincides with the funeral of darts player Bryan Whyte, who was sadly killed in a car crash. Most of the home team wish to attend.
The only Premiership action could be in Badenoch as the Dell is playable for Kingussie’s match against Lovat. Louis Munro is out through suspension for Kingussie. The visitors, who opened with a fine win against Kyles last weekend, are at full strength.
Lovat beat Kings home and away last season but the Red and Blues have been happy with their pre-season work.