Gary Wilson has been ruled out of Ireland's one-day international series with the UAE and Afghanistan in January.
The wicket-keeper is remaining at home for the birth of his second child.
In normal circumstances, Wilson would have been able to link up with the rest of the squad after the birth. But COVID-19 regulations being what they are, he'd have had to isolate for an extended period upon his arrival.
Instead, Neil Rock will provide cover behind the stumps.
Both series will count towards World Cup qualification, as they are part of the World Cup Super League.
Ireland currently sit 5th in the table, although half of the countries involved are yet to get on the boards following a year decimated by coronavirus.
"It goes without saying that 2020 has been a difficult year," said Ireland coach Graham Ford, "But the lads have acquitted themselves well and can be proud of what they have managed to achieve.”
“We’ve beaten the T20 World Champions, the West Indies, in a T20I in the Caribbean, beaten Afghanistan for the first time in a T20I in the subcontinent, and beaten the current World Cup champions England in their own backyard - those wins have helped build self-belief within the players and have demonstrated the progress we are making as a squad.
"We have two challenging series ahead of us, but we’re looking to create a sense of momentum going into a big year - a year that will feature multiple tours, a full home season and a T20 World Cup at the back end."
Ireland squad:
Andrew Balbirnie (C), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, David Delany, Gareth Delany, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
The OTB Brief | Tributes paid to Paolo Rossi, All Ireland finals latest
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