There was widespread speculation over Nehra`s fitness and Dhoni said the lanky pacer, who returned impressive figures of 2/33 in the semifinal against Pakistan, was virtually out of reckoning.
"Nehra is most likely ruled out. He has got multiple fractures (in his right hand finger)," Dhoni said at the pre-match press conference.
But opener Gautam Gambhir, who left the field during Pakistan`s innings due to a hamstring problem, is expected to be fit for the final.
"Gautam looks right now. He is most likely to be fit for the game," was Dhoni`s response when asked about the left-hander`s fitness status.
Nehra picked up the injury while attempting a catch against Pakistan when fielding at deep midwicket. He hurt himself while trying to pick up a pull by Shahid Afridi off Yuvraj Singh`s bowling.
Nehra had missed the first two matches of the event due to a sore back. He went for 65 runs in 8.4 overs against South Africa in a group game after coming back.
He was then left out for India`s next two games, before making a comeback in the semifinals.