Scotland's Nations League promotion push rocked by illness

Scotland’s Nations League promotion push has been rocked by injuries and illness, with a sickness bug affecting several players as they prepare for a crunch game against Ukraine

  • Scotland will win Nations League promotion against Ukraine if they avoid defeat
  • The squad has been hit by sickness and injuries in the run up to the game
  • Scotland boss Steve Clarke admitted his side was ‘not short of issues’

Scotland are battling illness on the back of rotten luck with injuries ahead of their decisive Nations League showdown with Ukraine in Poland this evening. 

Steve Clarke’s squad arrived in Krakow yesterday with a sickness bug having spread through the group over the weekend. The virus has affected several players, including strikers Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes.

The Scots boss has already seen key defenders Kieran Tierney (concussion), Nathan Patterson (knee/ankle) and Scott McKenna (knee) suffer injuries during last week’s home victories over Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland. 

Che Adams is one Scotland player affected by a sickness bug that has gone around the squad

Scotland boss Steve Clarke admitted his side was ‘not short of issues’ ahead of their next game

Additionally, Scott McTominay picked up a late booking against Ireland and is suspended for tonight’s game, while captain Andy Robertson (knee) is also absent.

 Scotland will be promoted to League A if they avoid defeat, guaranteeing second seeding for Euro 2024 qualification and the safety net of a play-off place. Ukraine need to win to top the group.

Clarke said: ‘It has been different. We are not short of issues.

Kieran Tierney is another player likely to miss out after suffering a concussion

‘As always in this kind of situation, you tend to find it’s the one position that’s targeted — and that’s in defence. 

‘But in this situation, I always say it’s not about the ones who have dropped out, it’s about the ones who are here and can step in.’ Clarke takes charge of his 40th Scotland game at the 15,000-capacity Cracovia Stadium, a neutral venue due to the conflict in Ukraine.

TV: Ukraine v Scotland, 7.45pm. LIVE on Premier Sports.




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