The Canberra Capitals forward is fit to play but looks set to miss the opening round of the WNBL season as she waits on immigration officials to tick off her paperwork.

The Capitals are waiting for United States and Australian immigration departments to clear the way for Ruef to become a permanent resident.

The most frustrating problem? It could be tomorrow, it could be next week, it could be two months.

Ruef has lodged her application but will not be able to play for the Capitals until she is classified as an Australian resident given the club's import spots have been filled by Canadian star Kia Nurse and French point guard Olivia Epoupa.

So Ruef will likely be forced to watch Canberra's season opener against the Adelaide Lightning from courtside at the AIS Arena on Sunday.

"I can't do anything more, I've done everything I can so it's out of my hands at this point," Ruef said.

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"It's just a matter of waiting, which is not what I'm good at. If I have something I can do, then I'll get it done. But not having anything I can do and sitting around feeling useless is the most frustrating part.

"I train as if I will be cleared tomorrow, but it is a bit frustrating, putting in all the work and not being able to reap the rewards and actually play in the game.

"I'm just doing everything I can to stay ready for when it does come through. I still love playing basketball regardless, I just can't play yet.

"Hopefully it's done before next weekend because with [Marianna] Tolo being out, it puts a lot of pressure on Kelsey [Griffin] and Keely [Froling] to play a lot of minutes.

"It's tough for them and it sucks for me, because I feel like I am healthy and ready to play, but I just can't yet."

Griffin is entering her first full week of training after an injury-riddled off-season - and her return couldn't have come at a better time.

Tolo will miss the grand final rematch with a foot infection with Ruef's absence set to test Canberra's depth in the early stages of the season.

Now coach Paul Goriss will look to Griffin and Froling to shoulder the load with co-captain Tolo eyeing a round two return.

"You take away a defensive player of the year, high IQ, great scoring ability, basically an All-Star calibre player [like Tolo], it definitely changes," Griffin said.

"We only have myself and Keely Froling. It has been since university since I have played the five spot but that's okay, I'm willing to accept that challenge.

"I have to be really smart, I can't get into foul trouble and just takes away from our depth.

"It's a massive game-changer but being able to be adaptable and handle adversity is a huge part of being successful so hopefully we can do that.

"It's nice that Goz gets a nice little challenge early to see how he is going to work out his rotations and what he wants to do strategically to be able to combat that.

"Hopefully it won't be how the season is played, we'll get Ruef and Tolo back sooner than later and we won't have to worry."

WNBL ROUND ONE

Sunday: Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena, 1.30pm.