Rangers defender ruled out of Northern Ireland's Nations League clash with Poland
The Rangers Women defender sat out the team's final training session ahead of the Seaview battle and hasn't recovered in time to be included in the matchday panel.
Rafferty had come into the international break on a high after helping Rangers win the Scottish Cup last weekend and had been excited to carry the momentum of a hugely enjoyable first season with the Scottish giants onto the international stage, but she will now miss the first match of the double header while also being a doubt for next Tuesday's final game of the campaign away to Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The 29-year-old was also forced out of the home and away games against Romania in April through injury and her absence leaves manager Tanya Oxtoby short of experienced cover in the defence ahead of one of the biggest games Northern Ireland have faced since the Women's Euro 2022.
Northern Ireland sit three points behind Poland in the group table and are seeking a victory to take the fight for promotion into Nations League A into Tuesday's last round of matches.
After losing 2-0 in Gdansk back in February Northern Ireland require a win by three goals in order to overtake the Poles on head-to-head record.
Poland, who enter the match on the back of seven wins in their last eight games, have confirmed that Barcelona star Ewa Pajor is fit an available after the disappointment of losing to Arsenal in last weekend's Women's Champions League Final.
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