Scotland’s World Cup preparations have been hit by the news that Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour has officially been ruled out.
The former Chelsea man will stay at home after scans confirmed the severity of the knee injury he picked up during the 4-1 win over Curaçao on Saturday.
The Scottish FA confirmed on Saturday evening that the 24-year-old will not board the plane to the United States on Sunday and will instead head back to Italy to begin his recovery.
A statement on the Scottish FA’s official website confirmed: “We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curaçao will rule him out of participation in FIFA World Cup 2026.
“Everyone involved with the Scotland Men’s National Team wishes Billy a speedy recovery. He will now return to his club, SSC Napoli, to commence rehabilitation.”
Clarke left ‘devastated’ by timing of blow
The news strips Steve Clarke of one of his most trusted midfield generals just over two weeks before Scotland open their Group C campaign against Haiti in Foxborough on June 13.
Speaking immediately after the match, Clarke had admitted he had “fingers crossed that the wee man is fine,” but the reality of the post-match scan left the national team boss utterly heartbroken for the former Chelsea and Brighton man.
Reacting to the official diagnosis, Steve Clarke said: “I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign. The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.
“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person and while no words will give him any comfort tonight, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”
Tactical rethink ahead of Bolivia
While the squad must now process the emotional weight of losing a key figure, Clarke has to quickly pivot to a major tactical rethink before next Saturday’s final warm-up fixture against Bolivia in New Jersey.
Gilmour’s replacement on Saturday, Findlay Curtis, made an immediate impact by scoring Scotland’s first-half equaliser, while Manchester United teenager Tyler Fletcher also made a big impression off the bench on his international debut.
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