But they have moved quickly to secure the services of Rishton's South African spin bowling professional Corrie Jordaan as deputy for tomorrow's league clash at Preston.
Chopra was selected for the competition against Bangladesh and Kenya on Wednesday.
The young all-rounder, who smashed 121 not out last week, is expected to return in two weeks but misses the three games scheduled for this weekend.
Chairman Peter Lamster said: ``It is good for us to have a professional that is recognised but it is most inconvenient as far as our season goes.
``We are pleased to have got Corrie as cover for Saturday.
``But we want a batting pro for Monday's game with St Annes.
``We tried for Joe Scuderi but he wasn't interested so we might now have to concentrate our search on the Central Lancashire League and Bolton League.'' Darwen are looking for their first Northern League win of the season at Preston.
They will be unchanged in the amatuer ranks for the short trip to South Meadow Lane to face a Preston side led by professional Manjoj Parekh, also looking to open their account.
The same side will then face St Anne's at home in the league on Bank Holiday Monday but Darwen make two changes for Sunday's Lancashire Knock-Out Cup tie at home to Furness (start 2pm).
Under the rules of that competition they cannot field a substitute professional.
Tony Beesley and Simon Painter replace David Bonner and Nigel Robbins as the Birch Hall club revert to the side that enjoyed Abbot Ale Cup last season.