Scotland’s 24‑year‑old midfielder Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury in the 4‑1 win over Curacao at Hampden, forcing his exit from the squad. The collision left him on the turf alone; he was substituted after the first half and a scan revealed a damaged knee. Gilmour will now return to Napoli for rehab.

Coach Steve Clarke expressed deep disappointment, noting Gilmour had been integral to Scotland’s qualifying push. Clarke added that the timing of the injury is cruel and that the player still has a bright future. With only two weeks until the opening match against Haiti in Boston, the squad must adjust quickly.

Clarke said three stand‑by options are available: Udinese’s Lennon Miller, Rangers’ Connor Barron and Sparta Prague’s Andy Irving. Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, 19, trained with the squad but remains uncapped. Clarke will discuss the best path forward with staff before naming a replacement.

The 4‑1 victory, earned after a red card for Curacao’s Jurgen Locadia swung the game, showcased Scotland’s resilience but also exposed the void left by Gilmour’s absence. Without him, midfield creativity will suffer, raising questions about the team’s balance in the group that includes Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.