Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay missed Thursday’s training session in North Carolina because of an upset stomach, sparking concern ahead of the team’s first World Cup match in 28 years. The 29-year-old Napoli player, widely considered Scotland’s most influential player, travelled separately to Boston with a doctor as a precautionary measure, while the rest of the squad arrived by team bus.
Steve Clarke’s side face Haiti on Saturday evening (Sunday 02:00 BST) at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, a game that marks Scotland’s return to the World Cup after nearly three decades. They will also meet Morocco and Brazil in the group stage.
“Scott McTominay missed training with a stomach bug but is expected to be fit for Scotland's World Cup opener.”
Fellow midfielder Kenny McLean sought to allay fears, saying: “Hopefully that doesn’t spread. Fingers crossed Scott will be fine. I’m sure he will be.” McLean added: “Everybody knows what Scott brings. He is desperate to play and his preparations have been amazing apart from maybe something he has eaten somewhere along the line.”
McTominay scored in Scotland’s convincing 4-0 win over Bolivia on Saturday, a result that boosted confidence before the tournament. The Scottish FA has confirmed a one-off bank holiday during the group stages, giving fans an extra day to celebrate the national team’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
Clarke is expected to provide an update on McTominay’s condition at his pre-match media conference on Friday, with the Tartan Army anxious for reassurance that their key player will be available for the opener.