Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

Should Jamaica advance to next weekend's final of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Four-day Tournament they are likely to be without injured opener Chris Gayle.

According to coach Gus Logie, Gayle, who was affected by an abdominal injury during the ICC World Cup, has since undergone a series of medical assessment and reports are that he could be out for a couple of weeks.

"From what we understand he did a scan and there was a tear in one of his abdominal muscles, and he is also dealing with a hernia situation," said Logie on Tuesday, shortly before the team's departure for this weekend's semi-final clash against Trinidad and Tobago.

"We were informed that he could be out for a few weeks," he added.

The semi-final is being held at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus cricket ground.

Logie, who is in his first season as coach of Jamaica with the team seeking a record fourth straight hold on the title, also explained that Gayle's absence was a big loss for the team. Anytime one goes into a contest you always want to have your best players as well," he said.

"But, as has been the case since the start of the season when senior players are away, it's an opportunity for players to step up and show that they deserve to be playing at this level."

He added: "It also provides an opportunity for administrators to assess their feeder programmes and see if they are working effectively."

Gayle was one of three Jamaican players who were a part of the West Indies team during the World Cup.

The others were fast bowler Andre Russell and left-arm spinner Nikita Miller.

Russell is currently playing in the Trinidad and Tobago match, while Miller, it is understood, has requested time off due to fatigue.