World Cup qualifier: Poland v Northern Ireland Venue: Slaski Stadium, Chorzow Date: Saturday, 5 September KO: 1930 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Two NI, BBC Radio Ulster MW and the BBC Sport website
George McCartney has a history of hamstring problems
George McCartney is a major injury doubt for Northern Ireland ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Poland.
The Sunderland defender pulled up with a hamstring injury at the end of Friday morning's training session.
McCartney has a history of hamstring problems and his fitness will be assessed on Saturday before boss Nigel Worthington announces his line-up.
If McCartney is not fit, Jonny Evans is likely to play at left-back with Gareth McAuley on the right of the defence.
George McCartney could miss NI's game in Poland because of a hamstring injury
Stephen Craigan and Aaron Hughes are set to occupy the central defensive options.
Steve Davis, Grant McCann, Sammy Clingan and Damien Johnson is the likely combination in midfield, with Kyle Lafferty set to partner David Healy in attack.
"We will give George as much time as possible, right up until kick-off if necessary, but at the moment I would rate his chances of playing as 50/50," Worthington told the BBC.
Winger Chris Brunt and Andrew Little were both ruled out of the game but defender Evans has played a full part in training this week.
Brunt and Little will both be assessed before their availability for Wednesday's qualifier against Slovakia in Belfast is determined.
Evans has been troubled by an ankle injury and sat out Manchester United's victory over Arsenal on Saturday but has taken a full part in training this week.
The problem caused him to miss Northern Ireland's draw with Israel in a friendly at Windsor Park last month.
Evans has indicated that he will require an operation to cure the persistent ankle problem but is keen to play in the games against Poland and Slovakia before potentially going under the knife.
West Bromwich Albion midfielder Brunt was rated doubtful after missing Saturday's game with Sheffield United because of a calf injury.
Brunt, who signed a new three-year contract with the Baggies last week, picked up the injury in West Brom's win over Ipswich on 22 August.
The Northern Ireland international limped out of that game early in the second half.
The midfielder started in Northern Ireland's 3-2 qualifier win over Poland at Windsor Park in late March but missed the win over Slovenia because of suspension.
Worthington believes Northern Ireland need seven points from three games to have a chance of topping Group Three.
They are second but have played a game more than leaders Slovakia.
The campaign ends with a trip to the Czech Republic on 14 October.
Northern Ireland squad
Goalkeepers: Taylor (Birmingham), Mannus (Shamrock Rovers), Tuffey (Partick)
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