Clijsters is still on the sidelines after injuring a wrist prior to the US Open, eventually forcing her to withdraw from the defence of the title she won last year.

Henin-Hardenne reached the final in New York where she lost in straight sets to Maria Sharapova.

The Italians would have started as clear underdogs had both Clijsters and Henin-Hardenne been playing but they now think they have a chance to pull off an upset.

Headed by 14th-ranked Francesca Schiavone and 20th-ranked Flavia Pennetta, the Italians have already beaten on their way to the final defending champions France and Spain.

"We really think we have a good chance of winning." said team captain Corrado Barazutti.

"Our players know that with Clijsters not available, they can pull off an upset. They are all very motivated because this is the first time that Italy have reached the final."

Belgian counterpart Carl Maes admitted that the loss of Clijsters would be a heavy blow to his team's chances.

"In any case we have to get by with what we have and in the last two months Kirsten (Flipkens) has gained a lot of experience against players who are higher ranked than herself," he said.

The main burden for the home side however will fall on Henin-Hardenne who will be expected to win both her singles and also contribute in the doubles.

She had looked in top form in New York before being outhit by Sharapova in the final, but admits that she has yet to fully recover from all her efforts in playing seven games in two weeks.

"I could have done with another week's rest and have yet to fully get over my jet lag, but that is part and parcel of a professional player's life," the world No.2 said. "I am ready to do battle."