Scotland striker Oli McBurnie is set for medical tests after coughing up blood during a match for his club Hull City. The incident raises immediate concerns over his availability for the national team's next Nations League fixture, which is at home to FYR Macedonia on Friday 13 November.
McBurnie, who was recently recalled to the Scotland squad by manager Sebastien Pocognoli, was hurt playing for Hull. Manager Sergej Jakirovic confirmed the 30-year-old forward took a kick to the rib and was coughing blood at halftime. "He got a kick in the rib and was coughing blood at half time so we will need to take a look at him," Jakirovic said.
Jakirovic described McBurnie as having a great season. "He does 'dirty jobs' and gets 'a lot of kicks'," the Hull boss said, adding that the striker maintains his confidence despite physical challenges and a feeling of being unprotected by referees. McBurnie ended a long Premier League goal drought earlier this season, scoring a penalty in a draw against Brentford. His last top-flight goal before that came in April 2024 for Sheffield United against Chelsea.
The timing is awkward for Scotland, who host FYR Macedonia in the Nations League on 13 November. McBurnie has earned 20 caps but is yet to score for his country. His potential absence would be a blow as Scotland looks to build on a mixed recent run of form. The side's last four results show one win, one draw, and two defeats, including a 2-1 home loss to Slovenia earlier this month. In that match, McBurnie provided the assist for Ryan Christie's opening goal. Prior to that, the team secured a 2-0 away win over FYR Macedonia on Saturday 3 October, with goals from Kieron Bowie and John McGinn, but also suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Switzerland and a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia in September.
Read the full report at The Herald
