Three Scotland players have been ruled out and two are doubtful for Friday night's World Cup clash against Morocco in Foxborough, forcing manager Steve Clarke to consider a tactical switch. The injury crisis comes as Scotland prepare to face the African side in what promises to be a tightly contested Group H encounter.
Across the Atlantic, Spain are dealing with their own fitness worries ahead of their Group H opener against tournament debutants Cape Verde. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have both been struggling with hamstring issues in the build-up to the competition, casting doubt over their availability. However, the European champions received a boost as Yamal is expected to make his injury return in time for the match.
“Three Scotland players out, two doubts; Spain's Yamal and Williams hamstrung but Yamal expected to return.”
Clarke's side will be desperate to start their campaign strongly, but the absence of three key players leaves a significant hole in the squad. The manager is now weighing up a potential change in formation or personnel to compensate, though he has not yet confirmed what shape his team will take at Gillette Stadium.
Spain, meanwhile, are confident that Yamal's hamstring problem will not prevent him from featuring against Cape Verde. The 18-year-old winger has been a revelation for club and country, and his presence could be crucial against a side making their first ever World Cup appearance. Nico Williams remains a doubt, but Spain's depth gives them options.
Both matches carry huge weight in Group H, where Morocco and Cape Verde will be looking to upset the established order. Scotland's injury list and Spain's hamstring concerns add an extra layer of uncertainty to the group's opening fixtures.