The Reggae Boyz have suffered a setback ahead of this week’s FIFA World Cup playoffs as winger Demarai Gray has been ruled out due to injury.

Gray was named in head coach Rudolph Speid’s 27-man squad last Friday for their trip to Mexico to face off against New Caledonia and potentially DR Congo.

However, the 29-year old who has seven goals in 29 appearances for Jamaica suffered an injury during Birmingham City’s 1-0 loss to Derby County on Saturday in the English Championship.

It’s the third time in as many months that Gray has missed international duty through injury, having also withdrawn during the September and October windows for the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying.

Tivoli Gardens forward Nickalia Fuller, who has five goals in the Jamaica Premier League this season, has been named as his replacement.

Midfielder Kevon Lambert has also been ruled out through injury but it’s unclear as to who his replacement will be.

The team is expected to report to camp Monday before departing for Guadalajara on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s clash with New Caledonia.

– Daniel Blake