The absences reshape Ireland’s options for Friday’s opening match.
O’Sullivan is expected to return for the second leg, offering Ireland a potential boost at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. McCabe’s absence is harder to replace: her influence as captain and ability to operate across defence and midfield have made her central to Ireland’s recent progress.
Carla Ward has responded with a first Ireland call-up for Shanade Hopcroft, the 28-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder. Born in England, Hopcroft qualifies through her grandmother, Nora, who came from Tubbercurry in County Sligo.
Her selection provides fresh depth at a moment when Ireland’s midfield is short of established options. Heather Payne also returns after last appearing in last year’s Nations League promotion-relegation play-off against Belgium.
There are further absences in defence and attack. Tara O’Hanlon is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Saoirse Noonan is unavailable because of an ankle problem. Ruesha Littlejohn has not been included after leaving Crystal Palace in May and remaining without a club.
Kazakhstan, ranked 100th in the world, represents a less familiar opponent, but Ireland’s recent qualifying record provides confidence. Ward’s side beat Poland 4-2 in Gdansk and 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium, then overcame Belgium 5-4 on aggregate.
The first test comes in Astana on Friday, 9 October, before the return leg the following Tuesday. Ireland’s progress may depend on surviving the opening match without McCabe and O’Sullivan, then restoring experience for the decisive home fixture.