Billy Gilmour, Scotland’s 24-year-old midfielder who plays for Napoli, sustained a knee injury during Scotland’s 4-1 friendly victory over Curacao on May 30 [1, 2, 3]. The Scottish Football Association confirmed Gilmour will miss the upcoming World Cup and return to Napoli to begin rehabilitation [2, 3].
Scotland manager Steve Clarke said he was "100% worried" about Gilmour and called the timing of the injury "so cruel" [1, 2, 3]. Clarke added, "I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign" and said the squad "all feel for him" [2]. He also expressed confidence in Gilmour’s future, saying, "I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him" [2].
Gilmour played a key role in Scotland’s successful qualification for the World Cup and was expected to be a central figure in the tournament squad [2, 3]. During the friendly against Curacao, Gilmour was substituted off and replaced by Findlay Curtis, who scored the equaliser in the first half. Lawrence Shankland scored twice and Ryan Christie added a penalty to secure the 4-1 win [1].
Scotland will open their first World Cup campaign since 1998 on June 13 against Haiti in Group C. They will also face Morocco and Brazil in the group stage [2, 3]. The loss of Gilmour is a significant blow to the team’s midfield options as they prepare for the competition.
Scotland must now adapt their squad without Gilmour as they approach their opening match less than two weeks away.
