Jordan Thompson will not travel to Vienna with the Northern Ireland squad ahead of their game against Austria on Sunday night after picking up an injury.

The 23-year-old has been a key player for Stoke City under former Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill since joining from Blackpool in January.

The midfielder has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, making five starts in the Championship and producing a series of impressive performances in midfield.

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Thompson came on as a second-half substitute on Thursday night, as Northern Ireland lost 2-1 to Serbia in their Euro 2020 qualifying play-off final defeat.

Northern Ireland travel to Vienna on Sunday to face Austria in the Nations League, but they will be without Thompson after picking up an injury against Slovakia, as per Sky Sports.

It remains to be seen how long Thompson will be out for and whether he will be back fit and available in time for Stoke's home clash with Huddersfield Town next weekend.

Stoke have made an encouraging start to the Championship campaign, and sit eighth in the league table after picking up 18 points from their first 11 games.

The Verdict

This could be a blow for Stoke going forward.

Thompson has made the step-up from League One since joining from Blackpool, and is a player who O'Neill knows well and knows how to get the best out of.

It's probably a blessing in disguise for Stoke that he misses this weekend. Thompson needs a rest and needs time to recharge his batteries so he can play a key role for Stoke this term.