Jordan Jones injury blow as Sunderland playmaker is ruled out of Northern Ireland's international fixtures

Ian Baraclough’s side will play three games later this month, including their first 2022 World Cup qualifying fixtures against Italy (Thursday, 25 March) and Bulgaria (Wednesday, 31 March), as well as a friendly against USA (Sunday 28 March).

Jones, who is on loan from Rangers, has missed the Black Cats’ last two fixtures against Tranmer and Accrington Stanley with a muscle injury and will be a doubt for this weekend’s meeting with Lincoln.

Sunderland defender Conor McLaughlin has been included in the 26-man squad, meaning he will miss the Wearsiders’ trip to Bristol Rovers on Saturday, 27 March.

When asked about injuries after Sunderland’s 2-0 win at Accrington, Johnson gave an update on Jones, Aiden O’Brien and Bailey Wright.

“First to return would probably be O’Brien,” said Johnson. "Second Jordan, and Bailey – they’ll be pretty close.”

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