Jamaica’s senior men’s national football team has been dealt a setback ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier away to Curaçao this Friday, after star winger Demarai Gray was ruled out through injury.

Gray is expected to return to Birmingham this evening after reportedly suffering a groin injury during training on Tuesday. The setback means the Reggae Boyz will be without one of their key attacking players as they look to continue their positive start to the qualifying campaign.

The Reggae Boyz, under head coach Steve McClaren, held their first training session on Tuesday after assembling in Kingston on Monday, and wrapped up preparations with a final session this morning at Sabina Park before departing for Curaçao later in the afternoon.

Gray, who missed the previous World Cup qualifying window due to injury, had only just returned to fitness and was named in the squad on Saturday by McClaren following his recovery. His latest injury will come as a disappointment both to the player and the technical staff, who were eager to see him reintegrated into the team.

Despite the setback, the Reggae Boyz are expected to maintain their momentum heading into Friday’s encounter, as they aim to strengthen their position in the group and move one step closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.