Billy Gilmour
SCO
Will miss World Cup
Gilmour (knee) is officially ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to the injury he sustained during Saturday's friendly against Curacao, the Scottish FA announced.
Analysis: Gilmour has been sent back to his club Napoli to start his recovery from the injury. While the full extent of his absence remains to be revealed, the problem is serious enough to cancel his participation in the international tournament, and it's another blow for a player who was previously sidelined between November and February with a groin issue. This news leaves Scotland without one of their top midfield options, but it could open up an opportunity for Kenny McLean to take on a bigger role alongside Ryan Christie. Prior to the injury, Gilmour had finished the 2025/26 Serie A campaign with 10 shots (three on goal), 713 passes, 14 tackles (seven won) and 11 interceptions over 803 minutes of play.
Forced off in World Cup warmup
Gilmour (knee) was forced off after just over 40 minutes of Scotland's friendly against Curacao with a knee problem, leaving his World Cup availability uncertain pending further assessment, according to Pazzidifanta.
Analysis: Gilmour's early exit is a significant concern for Scotland heading into the tournament, with the Napoli midfielder already having endured a difficult season disrupted by a groin injury that kept him sidelined for around four months between November and February. He managed just 887 minutes across 20 appearances this season, making his lack of match sharpness a genuine worry even before this latest setback emerged. Coach Steve Clarke had nonetheless included him in Scotland's World Cup squad, a show of faith in a player who remains one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the national team setup. His condition will be assessed in the coming hours before a clearer picture emerges on his availability for the opening group stage fixtures.
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