Arsenal forward Ceadach O’Neill has withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Ukraine and Hungary due to injury.
The 18-year-old earned his first senior cap against Guinea in June and featured as a late substitute in Nations League wins over Georgia and Ukraine during the previous international window. O’Neill recently made his debut for Arsenal, starting in a Carabao Cup last-16 tie against Fleetwood Town that ended in a penalty shootout defeat for the Gunners.
- O'Neill's absence removes a developing attacking option for Northern Ireland's forward line ahead of the League B2 fixtures.
- Manager Michael O’Neill will need to adjust his attacking rotations, with new call-up Eoin Kenny of Portsmouth entering the squad mix.
O’Neill joins a mounting injury list for the national team. Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, Eoin Toal, and midfielders Ali McCann and Jamie McDonnell have also been ruled out of the upcoming double-header. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Conor Bradley remains a long-term absentee having not featured since January.
🚨 EXCL: Ceadach O’Neill has withdrawn from Northern Ireland’s latest squad due to injury. Wishing him a speedy recovery. ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/MQJ3TSd6hd
Despite the absentees, Northern Ireland sit unbeaten at the top of League B2 with eight points from four matches. Michael O'Neill's side can secure promotion to the top tier for the first time if they win their remaining fixtures.
In response to the squad withdrawals, Manchester United goalkeeper Dermot Mee and Portsmouth forward Eoin Kenny have received their first senior call-ups to the Northern Ireland setup.
Northern Ireland are scheduled to host Ukraine at Windsor Park on Saturday, 14 November at 19:45 GMT, before traveling to Budapest to face Hungary on Tuesday, 17 November. Both fixtures will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
Reflecting on the squad changes, manager Michael O’Neill said: “We’re naturally disappointed to be without Ceadach for the final two games of the campaign. He has been a great asset to the squad in the last international window and everyone here wishes him a swift recovery.”
Squad update 📋 Ceadach O’Neill has withdrawn from our latest squad due to injury. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ceadach! 💚🤍 #GAWA pic.twitter.com/MDRfHjSvrJ
He added: “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.”
Northern Ireland remain the only side across the entire Nations League competition yet to concede a goal. Their campaign has relied on disciplined defensive blocks, highlighted by a late Shea Charles winner against Georgia and a 3-0 victory over Ukraine.
Blow for Northern Ireland as Arsenal youngster Ceadach O’Neill ruled out of Nations League double-headerhttps://t.co/cN535S5mAf
Securing the top spot in the group guarantees promotion to League A and places the squad in a strong position for a potential play-off berth for Euro 2028.
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