Scotland's Euro 2024 qualification campaign has been dealt a significant blow as captain Andy Robertson has been ruled out of the upcoming crucial matches against Belarus and Denmark following shoulder surgery.
The Liverpool left-back sustained the injury during Scotland's recent 2-0 defeat to Spain and underwent a successful surgical procedure that will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Major Setback for Clarke's Squad
Scotland manager Steve Clarke faces a defensive reshuffle with his skipper unavailable for the vital qualifiers. The news comes as a particular disappointment given Robertson's influential role both on and off the pitch for the national team.
"It's a huge blow for us," admitted a team source. "Robbo isn't just our captain - he's a leader in every sense and his experience in these big matches is invaluable."
Qualification Hopes Hang in Balance
With Scotland sitting in a strong position in their qualification group, these matches represent critical opportunities to secure their place in next year's tournament in Germany. The absence of their talismanic captain adds considerable pressure to the remaining squad members.
Potential replacements include Kieran Tierney, who may need to adapt his position, or other defensive options within Clarke's selection pool. The manager now faces tactical decisions about how best to reorganise his back line without compromising their defensive solidity.
Recruitment Timeline Uncertain
While the exact duration of Robertson's recovery remains unclear, medical experts suggest shoulder injuries of this nature typically require several weeks of rehabilitation. This raises concerns about his availability for both club and country in the coming months.
For Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, the news compounds existing defensive worries, with Robertson's absence creating selection headaches at Anfield during a busy period of domestic and European fixtures.
The Scottish Football Association has pledged their full support for Robertson's recovery process, emphasising that his long-term fitness remains the priority despite the immediate competitive implications.
