Injury problems mount for NI before key qualifiers

Shea Charles and Ali McCann are among those dealing with injuries before Northern Ireland's final 2026 World Cup qualifiers

This time a year ago, there was a sense that a number of positions in Northern Ireland's starting XI remained wholly up for grabs.

Then, goalkeeper Pierce Charles had just two caps for the side having graduated from the under-21s only in time for the October fixtures in the Nations League.

Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny was still weeks away from his own senior bow having impressed for the same under-age side.

Ethan Galbraith, then playing for Leyton Orient, had won just three caps spread across almost five years after making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2019.

Since, all three have established themselves as first-choice starters giving manager Michael O'Neill's side a decidedly settled feel. Indeed, with centre-forward the obvious exception, there is now a feeling that 10 of the names on his team-sheet are virtually inked in.

Unfortunately for the boss, injuries have again hit hard before the 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header away to Slovakia and home to Luxembourg in two weeks' time.

Sheffield Wednesday stopper Charles has played no part in the qualifying campaign to date after suffering a shoulder injury on club duty in August. While he was seen taking part in the Owls' open training session this week, manager Henrik Pederson confirmed on Thursday that a return to competitive action would likely not come until late November or early December.

The first-choice goalkeeper's brother, Shea Charles, also looks sure to be absent when O'Neill confirms the squad on Tuesday for Slovakia and Luxembourg.

A pulled hamstring will keep the key central midfielder out for what Southampton manager Will Still described as a "significant amount of time."

The 21-year-old, who now has 31 caps, has missed just one of Northern Ireland's games since the start of 2023, that through a one-game suspension after his red card against Slovenia in October of that year.

Concerns over his absence are exacerbated by Galbraith's suspension for the first of the two November games away in Slovakia, while Ali McCann is also doubt with a broken arm.

For a game that Northern Ireland cannot lose if they are to keep their hopes of a runners-up spot in Group A alive, they could be without their entire starting midfield trio. O'Neill has tended to field McCann and Charles as a double-pivot with Galbraith in a more attacking role.

Before the defeat by Germany in September, the manager described McCann as one of the players NI "miss the most when he's not available", while his partnership with Charles has blossomed through the sides improved run of results since 2024.

As well as their strengths as individual players, they complement each other in a pair too.

"Ali's so good at breaking up play, finding passes forward," said Charles.

"He's always speaking to me as well, so that's really good, he's a real leader. He's just so consistent, it's incredible."

McCann describes Charles as a "joke" of a player.

"He's everywhere," he said. He's a pleasure to play alongside and I think every camp he comes back he's getting better which is good for us."

What are O'Neill's options?

O'Neill has previously stated that, such are the numbers available to him, he and his staff track only in the region of 37 players. It is unlikely, therefore, that solutions will come from outside previous squads.

Luton Town's George Saville, with 62 caps, is one of the panel's most experienced figures, while Kilmarnock's Brad Lyons likely would have made more than five international appearances if not for injury.

Fit again after a hamstring issue, he could fill the void, although moving Devenny, who has started at left wing-back since the June friendly in Denmark, into a more central position is another option.

Then, though, the debate becomes who would replace Devenny.

Oxford United full-back Brodie Spencer, a right-footed option for the left side, is another injury doubt, although former Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis could yet make a return after signing a short-term deal with Preston North End on Friday.

Paddy McNair is another who could swap positions to play further forward. The veteran of Euro 2016's passing ability is already relied upon when playing as a centre-back and he has played in midfield before.

In turn, Ciaron Brown, Eoin Toal and Ruairi McConville would then be among the candidates to play alongside Sunderland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume in the defensive three.

With many of his squad still having three club fixtures to play before the trip to Slovakia on 14 November, the picture could yet change further.

With resources already stretched, the Northern Ireland panel can ill afford to lose more numbers in the next two weeks.