Ireland striker Carusa out of crunch World Cup qualifier in Poland

Carusa was struck down by illness ahead of the game

Abbie Larkin will start in attack for Ireland in place of Kyra Carusa. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Ireland have been dealt a blow ahead of this evening’s World Cup qualifier in Poland with news of Kyra Carusa’s enforced withdrawal with a bug.

The American was set to lead the line in Gdansk after partaking in training up to Monday’s pre-match session but was struck down with the illness at the team hotel in Sopot.

Abbie Larkin – whose goal in Belgium last October secured Ireland’s promotion to the top tier of nations for this series – takes the place of the Kansas City forward as the lone attacker.

Otherwise, Carla Ward’s XI is as foreseen, with Denise O’Sullivan returning from injury to flank fellow Cork native Megan Connolly in central midfield.

Poland’s Paris Saint-Germain defender Paulina Dudek has overcome her injury to make Nina Patalon’s starting team.

Barcelona star Ewa Pajor, who brought her haul of international goals to 70 by equalising in the 4-1 defeat to France last month, will spearhead the attack, supported by Bayern Munich’s emerging star Natalia Padilla.

Unfortunately, the pitch at the 41,000-capacity Polsat Plus Arena is an appalling condition. Several Irish players chose to change their boots to mould versions during the pre-match training session.

Kick off is 5pm, Irish time.

IRELAND (3-4-2-1): C Brosnan; A Patten, C Hayes, C Mustaki; A Mannion, M Connolly, D O’Sullivan, K McCabe; M Sheva, E Murphy; A Larkin.