What happened: Dan Ballard is expected to miss Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy because of a hamstring injury.
Why it matters:
- Northern Ireland will be without a key defender in a crucial match.
- The injury could impact the team's chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
MNN Take: Ballard's absence means Northern Ireland must adjust their defence ahead of an important fixture, highlighting the challenges injuries pose in high-stakes games.
Sources: BBC Sport