Palmer unlikely to feature
Published:Tuesday | November 18, 2025 | 12:09 AM
DESPITE BEING called up to Jamaica’s squad ahead of their decisive Concacaf World Cup Qualifier against Curacao, Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren says Kasey Palmer is unlikely to feature as he is not yet match-fit.
Palmer was initially omitted from McClaren’s 26-man squad for the final two games of the World Cup Qualifiers due to injury.
Following their 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago last week, the midfielder was called up to the camp and has been in training with the team.
Jamaica will face Curacao today in the final match of Group B, with the automatic qualification spot to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line.
The Boyz will need to win if they are to claim the top spot, while Curacao only need to avoid defeat.
However, McClaren said Palmer is unlikely to play as he is still in the process of rehabilitation.
Palmer had received permission from his club Hull City to continue his recovery on the island and be present for Jamaica’s decisive game to support his international teammates.
McClaren said Palmer’s absence is a major blow for the team, which is also missing the attacking threats of Leon Bailey and Michail Antonio, who played key roles in Jamaica’s squad over the past few years.
“Unfortunately, we’ve got the likes of Kasey who got injured and was very influential in the last camp, especially against Bermuda.
“His club, Hull City, has allowed him to come over here and continue his rehab. So he’s not fit enough to be available for the squad,” he explained.
“It’s the same with Leon Bailey. He suffered an injury just before coming to camp. And we’ve been in contact with him, and he’s another one of them where his club need him to rehab in Rome.”
McClaren said he had hoped to bring both Bailey and Antonio in as additional support for the team in what is expected to be an emotional night.
“We’d love to have Leon over here supporting the team. We’d love to have Michail as well, I think, who also is trying to get over.
“All these people who have been on the journey from the first day; we all want to get together because we know tomorrow is a huge night where we can make history.”
McClaren said today’s fixture can prove a live-changing experience for the players as the team is on the brink of making history.
Jamaica are chasing just their second-ever appearance at the World Cup, following the island’s debut in France 1998.
The Reggae Boyz coach said all players are focused and ready to play whatever role he deems fit.
“We must play the game of our lives. It could change everybody’s futures, and it could change the rest of their lives,” McClaren said.
“So focus, be ready and perform at your A-game. That’s all we ask, bring your A-game,” he continued.
“We say to every player, be ready. Eight o’clock, your A-game. On the bench, be ready. When you come on, A-game.”
The match is slated to kick off at 8 p.m.
Only the group winners from the final round will qualify for the World Cup, while the two best second-placed teams will advance to the intercontinental play-offs for another chance at qualification.