Latvia v Northern Ireland
Riga
Saturday, 8 September
Kick-off: 1715 BST
Commentary on BBC Radio Ulster, Coverage on BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website.
Aaron Hughes has been ruled out of next Wednesday's Euro 2008 Group F qualifier against Iceland in Reykjavik.
The Northern Ireland skipper had not been included in the squad to face Latvia on Saturday, having failed to overcome a persistent ankle injury.
It was hoped that he would join up with the panel for the second match of the double-header but he will now stay with his club Fulham to top up his fitness.
"Everyone agreed this was for the best," said NI boss Nigel Worthington.
"Aaron will get a few games under his belt for Fulham and then be ready for our next game away to Sweden next month," added Worthington.
Meanwhile the NI manager faces a defensive poser for Saturday's match in Riga.
Michael Duff, George McCartney, Stephen Craigan and Chris Baird played in the win over Liechtenstein last month but Jonny Evans is back after injury.
The Manchester United defender could challenge for a starting spot at left back or centre back with Duff possibly the man to lose out in any reshuffle.
Evans missed the 3-1 win at Windsor Park in August with a groin problem while McCartney has overcome a thigh injury and is available for selection.
Damien Johnson's continued absence in midfield should see Sammy Clingan and Steve Davis again chosen in the centre of the park and Keith Gillespie will occupy the right wing slot.
Stuart Elliott could challenge Chris Brunt for the left-wing berth and David Healy and Kyle Lafferty are likely to continue in tandem up front.
Johnson and Tony Capaldi will also miss the trip to Iceland next week.
Birmingham City midfielder Johnson is ruled out with a hamstring problem while Capaldi suffered a strain in Cardiff's win at Norwich on Saturday.
Rangers goalkeeper Roy Carroll withdrew from the squad on Monday.
The former West Ham player pulled out of the panel to work on rekindling his club career at Ibrox but remains on standby.
Celtic's Michael McGovern has been drafted into the squad as goalkeeping cover.
"It's frustrating for Damien because the injury is healing slowly," said NI manager Nigel Worthington.
Worthington drafted full-back Tony Kane into his squad at the weekend.
The 22-year-old Blackburn Rovers player decided to switch allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to the country of his birth.
Kane had played in two U21 friendlies for the Republic.
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