Scotland’s preparations for their crucial Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal have been dealt another blow as first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn has been ruled out due to injury. Gunn, 28, sustained a rib injury during Norwich City’s 2-1 victory over Hull City on Saturday and was substituted at halftime as a precaution. His absence adds to Scotland’s growing list of unavailable players, which now includes 12 key figures.
The mounting injuries pose a significant challenge for Scotland head coach Steve Clarke, who is tasked with navigating two high-stakes games in their Nations League campaign with a depleted squad. The loss of Gunn, who has been a reliable presence between the posts for Scotland, leaves the national team scrambling for alternatives.
Angus Gunn’s Absence
Angus Gunn has emerged as a vital component of Clarke’s squad in recent years, solidifying his position as the nation’s No. 1 goalkeeper. Since making his debut for Scotland in 2023, he has provided consistent performances in major international fixtures.
With Gunn sidelined, Clarke is now expected to turn to veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Gordon, who plays for Heart of Midlothian, is no stranger to high-pressure situations, boasting 74 international caps. The 40-year-old has been out of action for several months after suffering a double leg break in 2022 but returned to first-team action recently. His wealth of experience and leadership will be vital as Scotland seek positive results in the upcoming matches.
Greg Taylor and John McGinn Add to Injury List
Angus Gunn’s injury is just the latest in a string of setbacks for Scotland. Celtic left-back Greg Taylor has also been ruled out, nursing a calf problem sustained in last week’s Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Taylor’s absence leaves Clarke without one of his most dependable defenders, further complicating Scotland’s preparations.
In response, Clarke has called up Aberdeen’s Jack MacKenzie to fill the void left by Taylor. MacKenzie, 24, is receiving his first call-up to the senior national team and will be eager to make an impression. He has shown solid form for Aberdeen this season and could provide a fresh option in Scotland’s backline.
Adding to Scotland’s injury woes, influential vice-captain John McGinn is also unavailable for the Nations League fixtures. McGinn’s leadership and creativity in midfield have been crucial for Scotland in recent years, and his absence represents a significant loss for the team. Without McGinn, the midfield will need to adapt quickly to ensure they remain competitive against high-quality opposition like Croatia and Portugal.
New Faces in the Scotland Squad
With a growing number of players sidelined, Clarke has had to dig deep into his player pool to find replacements. In addition to MacKenzie, several other new faces have been called up for the first time. Aberdeen’s Nicky Devlin, Preston North End’s Liam Lindsay, and West Ham United midfielder Andy Irving have all been brought into the squad. Each of these players will be looking to seize their opportunity on the international stage and help Scotland navigate these difficult fixtures.
Devlin, a right-back, has been impressive in the Scottish Premiership this season and offers defensive stability. Lindsay, who has been a consistent performer in the English Championship, will add depth to the center-back position.
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