Arsenal forward Ceadach O’Neill has pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Ukraine and Hungary due to an injury.
Squad Withdrawals and Call-ups
O’Neill secured his debut senior cap against Guinea in June and featured as a late substitute during Nations League victories over Georgia and Ukraine during the previous international break. The 18-year-old player now holds four international caps and recently made his inaugural senior appearance for Arsenal by starting in a Carabao Cup last-16 fixture against Fleetwood Town, which resulted in a penalty shootout defeat for the Gunners.
According to BBC Sport reporting, O’Neill joins Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, along with midfielders Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell on the injured list for the upcoming double-header. Meanwhile, Liverpool player Conor Bradley continues a long-term absence having not featured since January. Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny earned their maiden call-ups to the national squad for these fixtures.
Manager Michael O’Neill expressed disappointment regarding the absence of the young forward for the final two matches of the campaign, noting his value during the previous international window while wishing him a quick recovery. He added that the team sits in a positive group position with significant stakes ahead, aiming to build upon previous progress and complete the campaign strongly after hosting Ukraine in Belfast and traveling to Hungary.
Nations League Campaign Status
Michael O’Neill’s squad leads League B2 undefeated with eight points from four matches, holding an opportunity to achieve promotion to the top tier for the first time. Furthermore, Northern Ireland remains the sole team across the entire Nations League competition yet to concede a goal this season.
Previous results in the campaign include a late winning goal by Shea Charles against Georgia in September, a scoreless home draw against Hungary, a 3-0 triumph over Ukraine, and another home draw against Georgia. Securing the top spot in the group would deliver promotion to League A alongside a near-certain play-off berth for Euro 2028.
Northern Ireland is scheduled to play Ukraine at Windsor Park on Saturday, 14 November at 19:45 GMT, before visiting Budapest to face Hungary on Tuesday, 17 November, with both fixtures broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
