Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill confirmed that both Jamal Lewis and Ross McCausland will miss the upcoming Nations League matches due to injuries. O'Neill remarked, "Ross McCausland came into camp with a foot injury, and we felt the best thing was to send him back to his club. Jamal Lewis came in with an ankle issue and he has left the camp as well." This underscores the team's ongoing struggle with player fitness ahead of critical matches.
Despite losing key players to injury, O'Neill is confident in the squad's depth. He noted, "we have a 25-man squad and we have more than enough to get through the two games." His statement reflects optimism about Northern Ireland's chances in the Nations League matches against Belarus and Luxembourg, even without some of their regular contributors.
Prior to these injuries, Northern Ireland had been performing well in the Nations League, currently sitting atop Group 3 with seven points after two victories, one draw, and one loss. This solid performance highlights the team's resilience and potential, paving the way for these upcoming games despite the absence of injured players.
O'Neill's concerns extend beyond just Lewis and McCausland; defenders Paddy McNair and Eoin Toal are also unavailable for selection due to hamstring injuries. This situation complicates the team's preparation for significant matches, illustrating the physical toll this competitive format can take on players.
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