Arsenal youngster Ceadach O'Neill withdraws from NI squad injured
Ceadach O'Neill has pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad for this month's Nations League matches against Ukraine and Hungary because of injury, manager Michael O'Neill has confirmed.
The 18 year old had been named in the squad after an eye catching start to his senior international career, but joins a lengthy list of withdrawals for the double header. Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, and midfielders Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell have also been ruled out through injury, while Liverpool's Conor Bradley remains a long term absentee having not played since January.
The Friday Injury Tracker
Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
βWe're naturally disappointed to be without Ceadach for the final two games of the campaign,β said manager Michael O'Neill, as quoted by BBC Sport NI. βHe has been a great asset to the squad in the last international window and everyone here wishes him a swift recovery. The wider squad and staff are looking forward to the two games ahead. We're in a good position in the group and there is plenty to play for. The Ukraine game in Belfast will be an important one for us, before we travel to Hungary for another challenging fixture. We'll be looking to build on the work we've done so far and finish the campaign strongly.β
A breakout year for the teenager
O'Neill won his first senior cap against Guinea in June and came on as a late substitute in Nations League wins over Georgia and Ukraine during the last international window, taking his total to four caps. He also recently made his first senior appearance for Arsenal, starting in the Carabao Cup last 16 tie against Fleetwood Town, a match the Gunners went on to lose on penalties.
No details on the nature or severity of O'Neill's injury have been disclosed, and there has been no update from Arsenal on his expected return.
Northern Ireland eye historic promotion
Despite the string of absences, Michael O'Neill's side head into the double header unbeaten and top of League B2 with eight points from four matches. Northern Ireland remain the only side left in the entire Nations League yet to concede a goal this year, a run that includes a 3-0 win over Ukraine and goalless draws against Hungary and Georgia.
Topping the group would secure promotion to League A for the first time and all but guarantee a play off place for Euro 2028. Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny have been handed first call ups for the games, which come at Windsor Park against Ukraine on Saturday 14 November before a trip to Budapest to face Hungary on Tuesday 17 November.
Arsenal will be monitoring O'Neill's recovery closely as he continues to push for further first team opportunities under Mikel Arteta.
