Injury heartbreak for Billy Gilmour as Scotland turn to Fletcher

Scotland rocked as midfield star suffers knee injury vs Curaçao, teen debutant Tyler Fletcher called up in shock late switch.

Scotland have suffered a significant setback ahead of the World Cup, with midfielder Billy Gilmour ruled out of the tournament, after sustaining a knee injury during Saturday’s 4-1 friendly victory over Curaçao at Hampden Park.

The Scottish FA confirmed the 24-year-old Napoli playmaker will miss the tournament, issuing a brief but emotional statement: “We’re all with you, Billy.”

Gilmour, a key figure in Steve Clarke’s midfield plans, was forced off in the first half after pulling up in discomfort following a challenge. The early signs were ominous, with Clarke admitting post-match he was “100% worried” about the injury.

“One request was obviously no injuries,” Clarke said. “He hurt himself in the tackle and then he made the decision he had to come off, so that tells you that he himself knew it wasn’t right.”

The injury has also prompted an outpouring of support from within the squad and beyond. Napoli and Scotland teammate Scott McTominay shared his reaction on Instagram, writing: “Absolutely devastated for you brother, football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this. Keep your head up. The players, staff and country love you.”

With Gilmour out, it left a place in the squad as Scotland are set to depart for the United States on Sunday. Despite having more seasoned and experienced professionals like Udinese’s Lennon Miller and Rangers’ Connor Barron, Steve Clarke has turned to 19-year-old Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher as Gilmour’s replacement. With a mere 17 minutes played for the Manchester United first team this season and 45 minutes in the 4-1 win over Curacao, Clarke has selected the son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher instead.

Scotland kick off their World Cup campaign against Haiti on the 14th June, and with another friendly lined up for the 6th June against Bolivia, Steve Clarke will be hoping that there are no new injury worries.