Finland women's coach Reetta Piipari is sweating on the fitness of Taru Tuukkanen as preparations continue for September's European Championship qualifiers.

Tuukkanen, who has excelled in Finland's warm-up matches, has sustained a shoulder injury, although it is not thought to be too serious.

The Finns are taking part in the Anyksciain tournament involving Lithuania, Ukraine and Latvia this weekend, but lost their first match 81-66 to hosts Lithuania on Friday.

Micheale Mouan had the chance to bring Finland within two points with two minutes left on the clock, but failed in both her free throws.

Tuukkanen was the key player, amassing 16 points and contributing 12 rebounds, while Susanna Rinta and the experienced Auli Nyman also impressed.

Coach Piippari raised a few eyebrows when he brought 34-year-old Nyman back into the squad after she had retired to spend more time with her family, but she has proven herself more than capable of being able to keep pace at international level.