Scotland's hopes of securing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup have been dealt a significant blow with the news that midfielder Billy Gilmour will miss the crucial final group match against Denmark.
Gilmour Ruled Out of Hampden Park Showdown
Manager Steve Clarke confirmed the disappointing update in his press conference, revealing that the Napoli midfielder has failed to recover from an adductor problem. The 24-year-old also missed Scotland's 3-2 defeat to Greece on Saturday and was absent from the squad's final training session on Monday morning.
Clarke stated plainly, "No, Billy didn't make it. Still suffering from his injury, everyone else is fit and ready to go." This news comes as a particular setback given that victory against Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday would guarantee Scotland's place at next summer's tournament in North America, ending a qualification drought that stretches back to 1998.
Qualification Scenario Hangs in the Balance
The situation in Group C remains delicately poised. Denmark currently sit one point ahead of Scotland, making this encounter a winner-takes-all affair for automatic qualification. Scotland's defeat in Greece had initially appeared costly, but they received an unexpected reprieve when Denmark could only manage a 2-2 draw with Belarus in Copenhagen on the same night.
This result means Scotland's fate is firmly in their own hands. While a play-off semi-final next March offers a potential safety net, Clarke is determined to avoid that precarious route. He emphasised the achievement of putting themselves in this position, noting, "We were drawn as a pot three team, but we are already in second place. We want to go one step further and finish top of the group."
Robertson on the Magnitude of the Occasion
Captain Andy Robertson has admitted to trying to block out the immense significance of the match for the nation. The Liverpool defender, accustomed to high-pressure occasions like Champions League finals, revealed his approach to the decisive fixture.
"I don't like thinking about it, that's the honest answer," Robertson said. "I've been very lucky to play in Champions League finals and win trophies. I've never thought about it until it's happened. I'm looking forward to the fact we have a one game shoot out for the World Cup."
With Gilmour unavailable, the responsibility will fall on the rest of the squad to deliver a historic performance and secure Scotland's passage to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
