[ad_1]
Billy Gilmour isolates himself for 10 days after testing positively for the coronavirus and leaves Scotland’s critical Euro 2020 game against Croatia on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old will make his full international debut against England on Friday, producing a match for the man Scotland demanded a goalless draw at Wembley.
But he is out of their decisive game against Croatia in Hampden Park and also a possible 16-round draw if Scotland makes it to the playoffs in the major tournaments for the first time.
No other player is understood to have been influenced or identified as close contact, which means that the rest of the team is available.
The statement said: “The Scottish FA can confirm that Billy Gilmour, a member of the Scottish national team, has tested Covid-19 positively.
“Billy has been in contact with England in the public health field since the positive test was recorded, but now he is isolating himself for 10 days and will therefore leave tomorrow’s UEFA EURO 2020 Group D match against Croatia in Hampden.”
1:22
Gilmour was expected to start a number of Premier League players in London on Friday night, and was expected to start again against Croatia, and he’s incredibly likely to go head-to-head with Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric.
But Clarke now has to rethink his plans. Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who moved back into defense against England, is likely to be restored to his normal position, protecting the back triangle.
Gilmour’s positive test is another hit for the Scottish camp since the team met earlier this month.
Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck sat on the heaters of both Scots against Holland and Luxembourg after getting the virus.
Six other players left a 2-2 bet with the Dutch as a precaution, although they have not been officially named Fleck’s close contacts.
Clarke is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday at 5:45 p.m.
Souness: Gilmour’s absence is an omnipotent blow
Gilmour made his debut against England
Former Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness says Gilmour’s loss will “knock us sideways” as Clarke’s party aims for a place in the playoffs.
Despite only making his debut against England, Souness believes Gilmour is already an essential player in Scotland.
“He was the best player on the field on the second day,” Souness said Sky Sports news. “It’s a huge blow to him, but what a blow to the people.
“Just when things looked good; we played good football and he was the star of the show. For that to happen, it knocks us sideways.
“That midfield trio of Callum McGregor, John McGinn and Gilmour were stunning against England. They were good at the ball, hunted it down and looked really strong at three. This is an almighty blow to us.”
Souness says Gilmour paid for the faith he showed him with an excellent performance against England and looked dissatisfied even though the stakes were so high.
“What a debut at the age of 20,” he said. “He only had five starts for Chelsea in the Premier League business last season, so I thought he was getting tired in the second half. But of course he has a very good engine,” he continued.
“Going into that game sometimes, even older players burn themselves with nervous energy. He showed no signs of that and the football he was playing at that point under pressure from the team was quite excellent.
“What a player he’s going to be. He keeps the ball in tight spaces and his first thought is to get it forward to the attackers, and he’s not afraid to take part in the smaller side of the game.
“He’s a huge opportunity and it’s an omnipotent blow. We miss him. I know it sounds confusing – his first international game, 20 years old – but we miss him against Croatia.”
[ad_2]
picture credit