''Though there is pain we are hopeful that Saifuddin will be able to make it to the opening game" - Mahmud © Getty

The Bangladesh camp sounded confident of Mohammad Saifuddin's availability for the Asian nation's opening encounter of the World Cup against South Africa on June 2. Saifuddin, who has been troubled by a back problem, is expected to take painkillers in order to make himself available for the match.

Saifuddin suffered the injury in the practice game against India and also underwent an MRI to gauge the extent of the damage. The all rounder bowled six overs in his first spell, but wasn't used after that spell. The Bangladesh camp are also sweating over the fitness of Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman and Mahmudullah, who have been troubled by hamstring, calf and shoulder issues respectively.

''We are expecting Saifuddin to be available for the opening game,'' Bangladesh team manager Khaled Mahmud said. ''Though there is pain we are hopeful that he will be able to make it to the opening game. Probably he will need an [painkilling] injection and he has taken such an injection in the past too,'' he added.

Meanwhile, Mortaza, who suffered a hamstring on his right leg during the tri-nation series in Ireland, was in doubt to play against India, but was cleared on the eve of the match. However, in the game, he pulled a hamstring on his left leg. Eventually, he left the field midway through the innings and didn't bat.

"I think he isn't injured badly because he just pulled his leg while playing the game but it is not that serious. He will just need a little bit of treatment to recover fully,'' noted Mahmud.

On the other hand, Mahmudullah did not bowl against India as he is yet to completely recover from his shoulder problem. Rubel Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan have also been laid low by niggles.