And despite being sidelined indefinitely, Jackson will be eligible to play in the WNBL finals for Canberra even if she fails to play the 11 regular season games required to compete for a championship.

Fairfax Media can reveal the Capitals have been contacted by international players locked in pay disputes overseas asking whether the club would be willing to sign them.

Jackson started a lucrative three-season deal with the Capitals this year, but her debilitating injuries have forced her to remain out of action.

Jackson and the Capitals still don't know when she will be right to play as the club chases an eighth WNBL title.

The uncertainty and clubs failing to pay players overseas has prompted agents to call the Capitals.

While the Capitals are not actively seeking another player for their roster, chief executive Tony Jackson admitted the idea of recruiting a star on a short-term contract was attractive.

The only problem is the player would have to suit up for Canberra for no fee.

''There's a player deadline to qualify for playing finals and that's coming up extremely quick,'' he said.

''If anything was to happen, we're up against a deadline anyway.

''If an Australian Opals player was coming home, we wouldn't rule out the opportunity for someone to come and play for us for three or four games - if they could play for free.

''If that helped us retain our spot in the top four, that would be great but it's all just speculation and unlikely to happen.''

A host of Australian stars play in Europe during the WNBL season because of the lucrative contracts available.

Former Capitals Marianna Tolo and Abby Bishop are playing abroad for the first time this season, but it is understood neither has been linked with a possible return to Canberra.

Some WNBA players were in Israel and fears for their safety prompted agents to survey their options.

Jackson is working with Australian Institute of Sport medical staff in an attempt to speed up her recovery.

The four-time Olympian was due to return to action earlier this month, but she pulled up sore after training and it was decided to rule her out indefinitely rather than rush her back.

To be eligible to play a part in the run through the finals to a championship, players have to have been involved in a certain number of regular season matches.

The Capitals registered Jackson in time when she returned to help the club to the 2009-10 WNBL title.

However, the club admits it is unsure if Jackson will return until the start of next year.

If she is sidelined until January, she will play just nine games before the start of the finals.

''I'm confident [Lauren Jackson] will play at some stage this season. Whether that's this side of Christmas or in the New Year I'm just not sure,'' Tony Jackson said.

''She's on a medical clearance as well, so she doesn't have to play the 11 games to qualify for the finals because she is on a contract and recovering from her injuries.

''If her injury takes longer than we all hope and she's not ready until closer to the finals, then under the rules she can play.''

The Capitals play two matches this weekend.

WNBL round nine

Friday: Canberra Capitals v Logan Thunder at AIS Arena, 7pm. Tickets available from Ticketek. Saturday: Canberra Capitals v Dandenong Rangers at Dandenong, 7pm.