Daniel Ballard has been replaced in the Northern Ireland squad by Callum Morris with the Arsenal man suffering a knee injury that has yet to be announced by Swindon or the Gunners.
Although neither club have confirmed Ballard’s knee problem, we reported a few weeks ago that he had returned to Arsenal for treatment on a meniscus issue that will likely sideline him around five months.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, who had begun to integrate Ballard into the senior men’s setup, has called up Morris with the press in Northern Ireland referring to Ballard’s injury in vague terms.
The injury is a big blow for the 19-year-old who looked set to impress at Swindon Town this season.
Before his injury he was already pushing for a starting spot.
Northern Ireland will play Luxembourg in a friendly before a massive Euro qualifier against Germany.
Northern Ireland squad in full:
Goalkeepers: McGovern (Norwich City), Peacock-Farrell (Burnley), Carson (Motherwell)
Defenders: J Evans (Leicester City), Cathcart (Watford), McLaughlin (Sunderland), Lewis (Norwich City), Smith (Hearts), Flanagan (Sunderland), Morris (Ross County)
Midfielders: Davis (Rangers), McGinn (Aberdeen), C Evans (Blackburn Rovers), Dallas (Leeds Utd), Ferguson (Millwall), McNair (Sunderland), Saville (Middlesbrough), Jones (Rangers), Whyte (Cardiff City), Thompson (Blackpool), Donnelly (Motherwell);
Forwards: Magennis (Hull City), Washington (Hearts), Boyce (Burton Albion), Smyth (Wycombe Wanderers).