Billy Gilmour ruled out of Scotland World Cup squad with knee injury
Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of Scotland’s upcoming World Cup campaign after sustaining a severe knee injury during a warm-up match at Hampden Park.
The 24-year-old was forced off just before half-time during Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Curacao.
Despite initially walking off the pitch, subsequent scans confirmed a devastating tournament-ending blow for the former Chelsea player.
The deep-lying playmaker was later seen departing the team hotel on crutches with his leg secured in a protective brace.
Childhood dream snatched away
Addressing the heartbreak publicly for the first time, the former Rangers youth prospect took to social media to share his devastation.
“Being so close to a childhood dream of mine, to play in a World Cup, and now it has been taken away from me with an injury. It’s been a tough one to get my head around.”
Billy Gilmour via Instagram
“I haven’t got the words to describe how I’m feeling right now.”
“Your support and kind messages over the last few days mean the world to me and haven’t gone unnoticed, so thank you so much.”
“I’ll see you all back doing what I love again soon, but until then, let’s get behind the team and cheer them on.”
Fletcher drafted as Tartan Army depart
In the wake of this midfield setback, 19-year-old Manchester United prospect Tyler Fletcher has been drafted into the national squad.
Manager Steve Clarke and his travelling party left Glasgow for the United States on Sunday to finalise their preparations.
The nation is fiercely anticipating their first appearance at a men’s World Cup finals tournament since 1998.
A final friendly fixture awaits against Bolivia in New Jersey before the serious competitive action begins.
Scotland will navigate the following Group C opponents:
- Haiti (Sunday, 14 June)
- Morocco
- Brazil