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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Conor Washington injury concern ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Conor Washington could be a doubt for Northern Ireland's opening World Cup qualifiers after limping off on Saturday.

Washington lasted only five minutes of Charlton's 2-2 draw with AFC Wimbledon.

It remains unclear what type of injury the 28-year-old sustained, with some reports suggesting it could be a hamstring or lower back issue.

The striker has been in fine form for Charlton, having scored four goals in the club's previous three games.

Northern Ireland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign away to Italy next Thursday, before welcoming Bulgaria to Windsor Park the following Wednesday in another qualifier.

Sandwiched in between is a friendly against the USA next Sunday in Belfast.

Washington is one of six strikers named by Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough for the triple-header.

Hearts forward Liam Boyce's arrival with the Northern Ireland squad could be delayed as his wife is set to give birth to their second child the day before the Italian game.

Some positive news is the form of Kyle Lafferty, who scored and set up a goal for Kilmarnock in their 4-1 win over Motherwell on Saturday.

Dion Charles - up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the first time - also continued his impressive form for Accrington Stanley as he scored a penalty in their 3-1 win over Wigan, his 18th of the season.

Meanwhile, Paddy McNair played 81 minutes of Middlesbrough's defeat to Millwall.

The versatile McNair - who appears to have recovered from an injury picked up in midweek - played in a midfield role for Boro on Saturday.

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