Northern Ireland Squad Sees Lewis and McCausland Withdraw Due to Injuries

Jamal Lewis and Ross McCausland will be absent from Northern Ireland’s upcoming Nations League matches against Belarus and Luxembourg because of injuries. Lewis, a defender currently on loan to Sao Paulo from Newcastle, is suffering from an ankle injury, while Rangers winger McCausland has been dealing with a foot issue. Both players have departed the squad and will not participate in Friday’s game at Windsor Park or Monday’s concluding Nations League fixture in Luxembourg. Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill confirmed the absences to BBC Sport NI, stating: “We have two that will miss out, Ross McCausland came into camp with a foot injury, and we felt the best thing was to send him back to his club.” O’Neill added regarding Lewis: “Jamal Lewis came in with an ankle issue and he has left the camp as well, so we have a 25-man squad and we have more than enough to get through the two games.” These injuries mean O’Neill was already missing defenders Paddy McNair and Eoin Toal for the two scheduled matches due to hamstring problems. Shea Charles is set to captain the team against Belarus, marking his 22nd cap for the senior squad. The Southampton midfielder, currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, first played for the national team two years prior against Greece, under the leadership of former manager Ian Baraclough. Northern Ireland currently leads Nations League C Group 3, having accumulated seven points from their four matches in the tournament so far, comprising two victories, one draw, and one loss.