Boyz chase vital points - Jamaica face crucial test in El Salvador tonight

The Reggae Boyz will have to regroup quickly when they face off against El Salvador in tonight’s Concacaf Nations League clash, with interim head coach Rudolph Speid forced to reshape his squad after a string of injuries and withdrawals.

The Boyz will face El Salvador at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador with kick-off set for 9 p.m. Jamaica time.

Jamaica’s preparation for the game has been complicated by the withdrawal of several members of the squad.

Kasey Palmer, Isaac Hayden, Rumarn Burrell, Renaldo Cephas, and Tayvon Gray have all pulled out of the squad ahead of today’s match due to injuries and personal reasons.

Their absences come at an especially difficult time for the national team, which opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Guatemala, which was followed by a disappointing 1-0 loss to Honduras.

With the key absences, Speid has turned to the Jamaica Premier League to bring in reinforcements.

Mount Pleasant’s Kyle Ming, Portmore United’s Ramone Howell, and Racing United’s Tajay Grant have all been called up.

With a much-changed squad, Speid will keep a close eye on each player minute to minute to ensure that the team remains energetic.

He said one of the reasons for their disappointing loss against Honduras was fatigue after their late win against Guatemala.

“We have a big squad, so it is possible that we might have to allow other players who have more energy to play,” Speid said.

“We’ll have to be rotating the squad. So it’s something we’re going to look at.”

MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

The squad’s rotation will now be more important than ever as a number of the missing players were key members of the team.

Burrell, who picked up an injury in Jamaica’s opening game, was a vital part of Jamaica’s attack and scored an important goal against Guatemala.

Palmer is also a key part of the team, contributing with a goal and an assist in the win against Guatemala.

Alongside Hayden, the duo were mainstays in Jamaica’s midfield and often created opportunities for the team going forward,

Cephas was also a major miss for Jamaica when the winger went down injured in the game against Honduras.

Cephas scored the winning goal against Guatemala and has been a key player down the flanks for Speid.

‘I BELONG HERE’

Despite the setbacks, Speid believes there are positives to take forward, particularly from debutant Miguel Freckleton, who impressed after coming on against Honduras.

Freckleton, who plays in the Austrian Bundesliga with LASK, had a solid performance against Honduras when he came on at halftime.

He contributed with a 100 per cent tackle rate while also making three clearances, four recoveries, and an 89 per cent passing accuracy.

“He has just told us now that ‘I belong here,’ ” Speid said of the young defender.

Jamaica will need more of such contributions as Speid attempts to piece together a side capable of responding in San Salvador.

Jamaica, Honduras, Guatemala, Suriname, and El Salvador are all battling in a tightly contested Group B, with the top two advancing to the League A quarter-finals.

Jamaica currently sit third on three points, tied with Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Suriname lead the way with six points.

Speid said Jamaica must win their remaining matches to ensure qualification for the quarterfinals.

Jamaica will also be wary of finishing fifth in the group as it will mean relegation to League B of the Nations League.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com