Scott McTominay Misses Training Ahead of Scotland’s World Cup Opener Against Haiti

Scotland faces a fitness challenge ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti, as midfielder Scott McTominay missed training due to an upset stomach.

The Tartan Army is in high spirits as they prepare for Saturday night’s match in Foxborough, aiming to secure a victorious start in their first World Cup since 1998.

With Brazil and Morocco also in Group C, the match against Haiti is seen as crucial for Scotland’s chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

McTominay, a key player expected to operate in central midfield, plays a vital role in both controlling the game and providing an attacking threat. However, he was unable to participate in Thursday’s training session.

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Uncertainty Surrounds McTominay’s Availability

Teammate Kenny McLean addressed reporters during a press conference, noting the uncertainty surrounding McTominay’s condition. He expressed hope that the issue would not affect other players, stating, “Mine is alright thankfully. Hopefully that doesn’t spread. Fingers crossed Scott will be fine. I’m sure he will be.”.

Currently, there is optimism that McTominay will be fit to feature in Steve Clarke’s starting lineup. However, the Scotland manager must monitor if any other players experience similar symptoms.

Defender Scott McKenna also missed training due to a minor injury, adding to Clarke’s concerns.

Potential Adjustments for Scotland

If McTominay is unable to play, John McGinn is likely to be recalled into the squad. This could result in McGinn taking up a position on the left wing while Ryan Christie shifts into a more central role.

Clarke faces a tactical decision on whether to maintain the successful 4-4-2 formation used against Curacao and Bolivia or switch back to a 4-2-3-1 setup and adjust his front line accordingly.