World Cup 2022: Northern Ireland qualifiers - five players ruled out
- Published
Gavin Whyte celebrates scoring on his Northern Ireland debut against Israel in 2018
Northern Ireland will be without Shayne Lavery, Ali McCann, Gavin Whyte, Michael Smith and Trevor Carson for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Whyte is absent after testing positive for Covid and striker Lavery has a hamstring injury.
McCann, Smith and Carson all miss the games against Switzerland and Bulgaria in Group C because of injuries.
Liam Hughes, Paul Smyth, Ryan McLaughlin and Carl Winchester have been drafted in as replacements.
The call-up for Sunderland midfielder Winchester, who played for Northern Ireland at all under-age levels, comes more than a decade after he earned his one senior cap to date as a substitute against Wales in May 2011.
Leicester City defender Jonny Evans has yet to join up but Baraclough is hopeful his vice-captain will be with the group in the coming days.
Cardiff City winger Whyte, who is on loan at Oxford United, tested positive along with team-mate Marcus McGuane and both missed Saturday's win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Double-header on the road
Northern Ireland face Switzerland on Saturday before visiting Bulgaria three days later.
Both games are vital, with Baraclough's side three points behind the second-placed Swiss in Group C and level with Bulgaria. Italy lead the table by six points.
Shayne Lavery (centre) was injured after scoring Blackpool's first goal against Blackburn on Saturday
"We've dealt with injuries coming into a number of previous camps and, unfortunately, this one is no different," said Baraclough,
"But this is a resolute group that has come together through adversity and I have no doubt they will do it again.
"We are still waiting for a few players to join us and we look forward to a few days' training in Belfast before we fly out to Switzerland."
