Reggae Boyz hit with injury setbacks ahead of World Cup playoffs

KINGSTON, Jamaica– Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will be without the services of winger Demarai Gray and midfielder Kevon Lambert for their upcoming FIFA World Cup playoffs.

Both players were named in head coach Rudolph Speid’s 27-member squad to face New Caledonia on March 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. A victory will see them advance to take on DR Congo on March 31 for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

However, the 29-year-old Gray, who has seven goals in 29 appearances for Jamaica, suffered an injury during Birmingham City’s 1-0 loss to Derby County on Saturday in the English Championship.

It will be the third time in as many months that Gray will miss international duty through injury, having also withdrawn during the September and October windows for the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Tivoli Gardens forward Nickalia Fuller, who has five goals in the Jamaica Premier League this season, has been named as Gray’s replacement.

Meanwhile, Lambert has also been ruled out through injury, but his replacement has yet to be named.

The team is expected to depart for Guadalajara on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s clash with New Caledonia.

CMC