Northern Ireland could take a 'risk' on Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis ahead of their opening World Cup qualifier against Italy.
The left-back has missed training this week with a groin problem, and is considered a major doubt to play in Parma on Thursday night.
It is an injury complaint the 23-year-old struggled with before his international call-up, and Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough is weighing up whether to take chance on the defender's fitness.
Baraclough told the Press Association: "We'll decide in Italy whether we take the risk with Jamal.
"He hasn't trained, so it's something he's had back at his club and we knew that coming into this camp."
Lewis has not featured for the Magpies since the home draw with Wolves on February 27, and was one of four players to be criticised by Steve Bruce for their roles in Ruben Neves' equaliser.
Former United prospect Shane Ferguson and Leeds United's Stuart Dallas are the contenders to fill in should Lewis miss out on the trip to Italy.
Northern Ireland also face the United States in a friendly at Windsor Park on Sunday before hosting Bulgaria in another World Cup qualifier next Wednesday.
