Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes has been ruled out of his country's World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Israel following an injury.

The Fulham player was injured during training and it is thought Bradford City's Rory McArdle will come in as his replacement.

Michael O'Neill's side are currently fourth in Group F, ahead of Luxembourg on goal difference and a point clear of bottom side Azerbaijan.

Northern Ireland will face Azerbaijan in Baku on 11 October, while their final game of the campaign is against Israel four days later.