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Scotland’s Nations League promotion has been rocked by injury and illness, with a disease virus affecting several players as they prepare for a crunch game against Ukraine
- Scotland win Nations League promotion against Ukraine if they avoid defeat
- But the team has been hit by illness and injuries in the run-up to the game
- Scotland boss Steve Clarke admitted his side was ‘not short of trouble’
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Scotland are battling illness at the back of bad luck with injuries ahead of their decisive Nations League clash with Ukraine in Poland on Tuesday night.
Steve Clarke’s squad arrived in Krakow on Monday with an illness that had spread through the group over the weekend. The virus has affected several players, including strikers Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes.
The Scottish boss has already seen key defenders Kieran Tierney (concussion), Nathan Patterson (knee/ankle) and Scott McKenna (knee) sustain injuries in last week’s home wins over Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland.
Che Adams is a player from Scotland who has been struck by a disease virus that has gone around the squad
Scotland boss Steve Clarke admitted his side had ‘no shortage of problems’ ahead of their next match
In addition, Scott McTominay picked up a late booking against Ireland and has been suspended for Tuesday night’s game, while captain Andy Robertson (knee) is also absent.
Scotland will be promoted to League A if they avoid defeat, guaranteeing second place for Euro 2024 qualifiers and the safety net of a play-off place. Ukraine needs to win to top the group.
Clarke said, “It’s been different. We have no shortage of problems.
Kieran Tierney is another player likely to miss after a concussion
“As always in situations like this, you tend to find that it’s the only position that’s targeted – and that’s defense.
“But in this situation I always say that it’s not about those who have fallen out, but about those who are here and can intervene.”
Clarke leads his 40th game in Scotland at the 15,000-seat Cracovia Stadium, a neutral venue due to the conflict in Ukraine.