trojan-skipper,
My only thought would be that you can't dwell on who won't be there, you can only do your best to get those who do come out ready. Use this as a positive for the guys who do play (even if you don't think it is). Get the message across that, yeah, this sucks, but it's an opportunity for you guys to step up and pick up the slack. Let them know that this creates more playing time and more competition for that playing time for the guys who do want to be there.