Pierce Charles to miss crucial World Cup qualifiers as another star limps out of Premier League game

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper ruled out against Luxembourg and Germany

Northern Ireland have suffered a major blow ahead of the start of their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup as Pierce Charles has been ruled out of the fixtures against Luxembourg and Germany.

Michael O’Neill was sweating on the fitness of the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper after he picked up a shoulder injury ahead of Thursday squad announcement.

But speaking on Saturday, O’Neill confirmed Charles will not be available for the double away double-header after Northern Ireland received a second opinion on the injury.

“We’ve had a couple of nervous moments over one or two players but hopefully we’ll be as strong as we can come Sunday week, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” O’Neill told BBC Sportsound.

“Unfortunately we’re going to be without Pierce, we’ve had a second opinion on his shoulder situation and he’s definitely out.

“Pierce is a very exciting young goalkeeper. He’s got a great temperament, obviously we’ve brought him in and played him very young at 19.

“Just 12 months ago he was playing for the Under-19s at the European Championships.

“So it’s an indication of the progress he has made and I think playing international football has helped him and accelerated that progress.

“We’re also without Conor Hazard, who picked up an knee injury in the summer game against Denmark and had to come off and he’s still not fit from that injury.

“So we’re stretched a little in that position, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell is an experienced goalkeeper with 48 caps and he’s playing on a regular basis at Blackpool.

“We have to make the best of all situations. Between now and us meeting up next weekend the guys will play at least two games and some even three as there are cup games during the week.

“So there’s a bit for us to get through but very rarely do you end up with the squad you named.”

O’Neill also has a concern over Conor Bradley while fellow defender Daniel Ballard was forced off after only eight minutes of Sunderland’s Premier League game at Burnley on Saturday.