The Jamaica Observer understands that winger Leon Bailey will be part of the Reggae Boyz squad for next week’s FIFA World Cup Playoffs, ending an eight-month absence.

Bailey, who scored in Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Lille on Thursday to reach the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals, is set to be one of the main wingers selected by interim head coach Rudolph Speid when the squad is announced on Friday.

The 28-year-old missed all of Jamaica’s games in the final round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying which saw them finishing runners up in the group behind World Cup bound Curacao.

Bailey, who has seven goals in 39 caps, last played for the national team last summer during the Concacaf Gold Cup.

The Observer also understands that captain Andre Blake, vice captain Damion Lowe, Bobby Reid, Demarai Gray and Ethan Pinnock are also set to be included.

However, it’s expected that Mason Holgate, Rico Henry and Rumarn Burrell will join the list of notable exclusions despite appearing during the final round of Concacaf qualifiers last year.

The 26-man squad is set to leave the island on Tuesday for their semifinal clash with New Caledonia next Thursday. A win will see Jamaica take on DR Congo for a spot at this summer’s World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

– Daniel Blake