Nottingham Forest defender Nat Johnson is named in a first squad since qualifying for Euro 2022, while Birmingham City’s Ellie Mason, London City Lionesses’ Connie Scofield and Rangers midfielder Megan Bell return from injury.
There is also a change to Oxtoby’s goalkeeping options as Lauren Perry is ruled out with an ACL injury and she is replaced by Cliftonville goalkeeper Rachael Norney.
Winger Caragh Hamilton and midfielder Nadene Caldwell will also miss the two matches through injury, as will Hearts strikers Kerry Beattie.
It had been hoped Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer Rachel Furness would be fit to return for the first time in 12 months but she is also injured.
The 36-year-old, who has scored 38 goals in 95 caps, has been a regular for Newcastle United since moving to the Championship side in the summer.
The first leg takes place on Friday, 25 October (17:00 BST) before the return leg at Windsor Park on Tuesday, 29 October (19:00).
If Northern Ireland beat Croatia in the two-legged tie, they will face either Norway or Albania for a spot at next year’s tournament in Switzerland.
Northern Ireland qualified for the play-off by finishing second in Group B3, with three wins from six matches.
Croatia were third in Group B4, behind Wales and Ukraine, and if Northern Ireland progress they will face Norway or Albania for a place at the Euro 2025 finals.
