Scotland suffer disaster as star man ruled out of World Cup with injury sustained in friendly

Scotland have confirmed the devastating news Billy Gilmour will miss the World Cup due to injury.

The midfielder came off second best in a challenge late in the first half of Scotland’s friendly against Curacao.

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Although Gilmour attempted to continue playing, he fell to the floor after attempting a pass.

Despite being able to walk off the field at Hampden, Scotland’s worst fears regarding the midfielder were confirmed following the contest.

“We regret to announce that the knee injury sustained by Billy Gilmour in today’s win over Curaçao will rule him out of participation in FIFA World Cup 2026,” a Scotland statement read.

“Everyone involved with the Scotland Men’s National Team wishes Billy a speedy recovery. He will now return to his club, SSC Napoli, to commence rehabilitation.”

Clarke: Timing of Gilmour’s injury is ‘so, so cruel’

Scotland boss Steve Clarke was understandably gutted to have lost Gilmour for the tournament; he remains adamant the 24-year-old has more international tournaments to look forward to in the coming years.

“I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” Clarke said.

“The timing of this injury is so, so cruel and we all feel for him.

“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person and while no words will give him any comfort tonight, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”

Gilmour had high hopes of joining Scotland in their first ever appearance at a World Cup having been named in Clarke’s 26-man squad for the tournament.

The Napoli midfielder missed just two of Scotland’s World Cup six qualifiers, both due to pubalgia.

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Prior to Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers, Gilmour had featured in every one of the Tartan Army’s matchday squads since June 2021.

But now the 24-year-old will have to watch Scotland’s Group C fixtures against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil from afar.

Gilmour’s injury overshadowed what was a strong World Cup send-off for Clarke’s side as they romped to a 4-1 win over Curacao, who will also make their debut at the tournament this summer.

A Lawrence Shankland double along with goals from Findlay Curtis and Ryan Christie did the business for the hosts after Sheffield United star Tahith Chong scored the opener for Curacao.

More to follow…