Scotland's World Cup preparations have been jolted by an injury scare to key midfielder Billy Gilmour, who limped off during the first half of a 4-1 friendly victory over Curacao at Hampden. The Napoli player underwent a scan immediately after the match, with head coach Steve Clarke conceding he is "100 per cent worried" about the 24-year-old's participation in the upcoming tournament.
The incident occurred with no opposing player near Gilmour, as he pulled up sharply and slumped to the turf. He was substituted straight away and headed down the tunnel for assessment, leaving his team-mates and the home crowd deeply concerned. Clarke confirmed that the player had felt something amiss during a challenge and chose to take himself off, suggesting the problem should not be taken lightly.
"I am sitting here hoping and praying he's on the plane," Clarke told reporters post-match, underlining the gravity of the situation. He added that the medical team would deliver their verdict once the scan results were available, but until then, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the camp. Gilmour, who has become a linchpin in Scotland's midfield, was visibly upset as he left the field, prompting an anxious wait for news.
Gilmour's importance to Scotland cannot be overstated. Since moving to Napoli, he has developed into a composed and technically gifted midfielder, capable of dictating the tempo of the game. His absence would leave a significant void in a team that relies on his ability to retain possession and link defence with attack. With the World Cup opener against Haiti just two weeks away, time is of the essence, and any serious injury would force Clarke to rejig his tactical setup.
Scotland's World Cup campaign begins on June 14 in Boston, with Haiti the first of three group-stage opponents. The squad is set to fly to the United States in the coming days, and losing Gilmour would be a blow to their ambitions of progressing beyond the group phase. While Scotland possess depth in midfield, few can replicate the ex-Rangers and Chelsea youngster's vision and passing range.
The friendly against Curacao was intended as a final tune-up, but it threw up more questions than answers before the red card shown to Jurgen Locadia shifted the momentum. Scotland had fallen behind to an early strike from Tahith Chong, exposing defensive frailties that will need addressing before the tournament. The visitors' numerical disadvantage before half-time allowed Scotland to take control, but Clarke admitted the exercise would have been more valuable at full strength.
"The red card obviously changes the whole dynamic of the game and from there, at least, against the 10 we managed to start creating chances and got a few goals," Clarke said. He acknowledged that facing 11 men would have tested his players' ability to find spaces more effectively, though the scoreline ultimately offered some comfort as several individuals staked their claim.
Amid the injury concern, there were positives: substitute Findlay Curtis marked his senior international debut with a goal to level the scores, while Lawrence Shankland grabbed a brace and Ryan Christie converted a penalty. These performances may ease some of the reliance on Gilmour, but the overriding sentiment remains one of trepidation until the scan results are known.
The Scottish FA has not yet issued an official update, but sources suggest the scan will reveal the extent of muscular or ligament damage. Clarke, who has built a resilient and united squad, will need to manage the emotional fallout should the news be unfavourable. For now, he and the nation are left to hope that Gilmour's World Cup dream survives this setback.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.