Manager Michael O'Neill included Dan Ballard in the 26-man travelling group despite the defender carrying a hamstring injury. Ballard missed recent fixtures for Sunderland but is undergoing intensive treatment to be fit for the fixture in Palermo. According to the Irish Football Association, the medical staff will monitor his progress throughout the week.
St Mirren defender Caolan Boyd-Munce withdrew from the initial selection due to a calf strain sustained in Scottish Premiership action. Consequently, O'Neill handed a maiden senior call-up to Portsmouth centre-back Taylor Morrison. Morrison previously represented the under-21 side and has made 12 appearances in the Championship this season, per Sky Sports.
Northern Ireland travel to face the European giants for a place in the play-off final. The squad also features experienced figures like Jonny Evans and George Saville. O'Neill confirmed that while the squad faces injury concerns, the inclusion of younger players like Morrison provides essential depth for the upcoming international window, according to The Athletic.
