Hiroshima, Aug. 21, GNA - Black Princesses coach Robert Sackey is sweating over the fitness of some key players as he readies his team for their Thursday meeting with Germany at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women's World in Japan.

Midfielder Deborah Afriyie and defensive duo, Janet Egyir and Rebecca Asante are all doubtful for the crucial clash with the defending champions, which the Princesses must avoid another loss to remain in contention for a place at the next round.

The trio were selected for the tournament as officials expected them to recover in time but their responses have been nowhere near fitness.

Afriyie has yet to fully shake-off an ankle injury and like Asante will play a no part in the Group D day two clash against Germany on Thursday.

Egyir according to officials has a 50-50 chance of featuring in the must-win game.

Coach Sackey was hoping to have all three key players fit for the clash with Germany, who also spanked China 4-0.

The Princesses lost by a similar margin to the United States of America in their opening fixture last Sunday after scoring a own goal to open the flood gates for more goals against them, but all is not lost if they can put their acts together and square off and pull a surprise against the defending champions in the second game on Thursday to keep their hopes alive of progressing in the group.

GNA