Ceadach O’Neill out of Northern Ireland squad through injury

Arsenal’s 18‑year‑old midfielder Ceadach O’Neill has been forced to miss the November international break after sustaining an injury.

The setback comes as his rapid rise from the club’s under‑18s to a senior League Cup debut in October has marked him as a promising talent.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill said he was naturally disappointed to be without Ceadach for the final two games of the campaign and wished him a swift recovery.

The Irish Football Association confirmed the youngster’s withdrawal from the squad for the November break due to injury.

Club progression despite setback

O’Neill featured predominantly for Arsenal’s under‑18 side last season before stepping up to the under‑21s this campaign, and he earned his senior debut in the League Cup in October.

He then appeared in a UEFA Youth League match against Slavia Praha last Wednesday, but missed the weekend under‑21 fixture against Aston Villa, a consequence explained by his injury withdrawal.

He has already earned four senior caps for Northern Ireland since his debut in June, including two competitive fixtures, and two further competitive games would have cemented his allegiance amid recent debate over a possible switch to the Republic of Ireland.

Those matches will now be postponed until the next March window, leaving O’Neill to focus on recovery, and a Photo by the Irish Football Association documents the announcement.