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Gilmour Injury Concern for Clarke Ahead of World Cup

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Scotland manager Steve Clarke admitted he is '100 per cent worried' about Billy Gilmour after the Napoli midfielder limped off injured during the 4-1 win over Curacao at Hampden. Gilmour collapsed to the turf in the first half without contact and was immediately substituted, leaving Clarke sweating over his World Cup availability with just over two weeks until Scotland's opener against Haiti in Boston.

Clarke revealed Gilmour underwent a scan to assess the damage, though results remain pending. The injury overshadowed a comfortable victory that saw Findlay Curtis score his first senior international goal as a substitute, while Lawrence Shankland netted twice and Ryan Christie converted a penalty. Scotland trailed early through Tahith Chong's strike before Jurgen Locadia's red card seven minutes before halftime shifted momentum dramatically.

Clarke praised the win but acknowledged the numerical advantage made life easier against Dick Advocaat's side. He suggested the match would have provided better preparation had both teams kept full complements, questioning whether Scotland could consistently break down organized defenses. The result offers confidence ahead of Group H action, but Gilmour's potential absence represents a significant blow to midfield options.

The Chelsea academy graduate has become integral to Scotland's engine room, and losing him would force tactical reshuffling in America. Clarke's honest assessment reflects genuine concern over a player who started regularly for Napoli last season, making his potential unavailability a genuine headache for the tournament preparations.