Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill looks set to be without Shea Charles for their crucial World Cup qualifying double-header against Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Southampton manager Will Still has confirmed the hamstring injury Charles suffered during the defeat at Blackburn will see him on the sidelines for “a significant amount of time.”
Charles had to be replaced 10 minutes from time at Ewood Park after pulling up during a counter-attack last weekend.
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Still said: “Shea Charles is out for a significant amount of time. Six to seven weeks, he’s done his hamstring.”
O’Neill will name his squad for November’s clashes in Slovakia and at home to Luxembourg on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland boss is already without the suspended Ethan Galbraith for the trip to Slovakia and it will be a significant setback to be without Charles, who has formed an impressive midfield partnership with Ali McCann.
McCann remains an injury concern after he broke his arm in action for Preston North End.
Top spot in Group A looks beyond Northern Ireland but second place is still up for grabs, guaranteeing a World Cup Play-Off which appears assured already thanks to last year’s Nations League success.
O’Neill’s side sit third in the group, three points behind the Germans and Slovakia with just two qualifiers left.