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Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the World Cup after injuring his knee in the win over Curacao.
The 24-year-old fell to the turf in the first half with no one around him 4-1 win for Dick Advocate at Hampden and was promptly replaced.
A scan after the game revealed Gilmour had damaged his knee and he will now return to his club Napoli for rehabilitation.
Scotland’s first World Cup game is against Haiti in Boston just over two weeks later.
Go for a Gilmore scan after the game
Scotland boss Steve Clarke said: “I am devastated for Billy as he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign. The timing of this injury is cruel and we all feel for him.
“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and as a person and although no words will comfort him tonight, I’m sure Billy has many big tournaments ahead of him in the future.”
Gilmour was forced off the field against Curacao
Who will replace Gilmour?
Gilmour’s replacement is yet to be confirmed, but Clarke revealed in his post-match press conference that Udinese’s Lennon Miller, Rangers’ Connor Barron and Sparta Prague’s Andy Irving are all on standby.
Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, 19, is not in the World Cup squad but made his debut against Curacao this week as one of five youngsters training with the men’s squad.
“Those three are on standby and obviously Tyler joined us this week,” Clark said.
“He trained well this week, so he’s a little closer than the other three, but I have to have a big discussion with the staff and decide the best way.”
Fletcher is the son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher – who earned 80 caps in his 14-year international career.
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Scotland head coach Steve Clarke reflects on their 4-1 win, Curaçao’s red card and Billy Gilmour’s injury ahead of the World Cup
‘The red card changed the momentum of the game’
Scotland struggled against Curacao in the early stages and found themselves 1–0 down after a goal by Tahit Chong but a red card for Jurgen Locadia seven minutes before the interval turned the game in Scotland’s favour, even though Clarke wanted both sides to keep their full complement on the pitch.
Laurence Shankland scored twice for Scotland against Curacao
“The red card obviously changed the whole dynamic of the game and from there, at least against 10 we were able to create chances and get a couple of goals,” he said.
“Obviously it’s nice to win any international game, but I think it would have been better if it was 11 v 11 and then we would have been asked more questions about finding space on the pitch – can we create the chances we created against 11 against 10? It would have been better practice for us.”
