As the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, Scotland has been hit with a significant setback. Two of their first-choice full-backs, Kieran Tierney (Real Sociedad, on loan from Arsenal) and Tony Ralston (Celtic), have withdrawn from the squad due to injuries.
This comes at a crucial time for Steve Clarke’s men, who are preparing for decisive qualifiers that could determine their spot on the world’s biggest stage.
The Injuries
Kieran Tierney suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem during training with Real Sociedad. Known for his defensive solidity and attacking overlaps, his absence is a major blow to Scotland’s left flank.
Tony Ralston picked up a knock in Celtic’s domestic campaign and has been ruled unfit to join the national setup. While not always a guaranteed starter, his versatility and work rate have made him an important squad member.
Replacements Called In
Scotland have wasted no time in drafting reinforcements:
Josh Doig (Sassuolo, Serie A) has been called up to replace Tierney. The 23-year-old left-back has been impressing in Italy, earning praise for his stamina and crossing ability.
Aaron Hickey (Brentford, Premier League), who missed previous internationals due to injury, returns to the squad. His ability to play on both flanks offers Clarke flexibility in defensive setups.
This means Scotland now boasts five players from Serie A in their squad—a testament to the growing influence of Scottish talent abroad.
Manager’s Challenge
Head coach Steve Clarke faces a tactical headache. Without Tierney, he may need to adjust from his favored back-three system, where Tierney often plays as a hybrid center-back/wing-back. Options include:
Shifting Andy Robertson into a more traditional full-back role.
Deploying Josh Doig as a like-for-like replacement on the left.
Using Aaron Hickey’s adaptability to cover gaps depending on opponents.
Clarke emphasized squad unity in his recent press conference:
“We’ve been here before. Injuries are part of football, and while we’ll miss Kieran and Tony, this is an opportunity for others to step up. We trust every player in this group.”
Why It Matters
Scotland’s qualifiers are crucial not only for a World Cup berth but also for maintaining momentum after a strong showing in Euro 2024, where they reached the knockout stages.
Defensive stability has been one of Scotland’s strengths under Clarke, and the absence of two key full-backs could test their resilience.
Upcoming fixtures include clashes against tough European sides, where defensive lapses could prove costly.
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