Scotland manager Steve Clarke has published an open letter to supporters reflecting on his seven years in charge, while key midfielder Scott McTominay is scheduled for a minor heart operation. The national team, currently third in their World Cup group with three points from three games, faces a key away fixture against Slovenia later this month.
Steve Clarke's letter expressed pride in leading Scotland to two major tournaments. He referenced the emotional qualification in Belgrade during the pandemic and the subsequent trip to Germany, crediting the Tartan Army for their unwavering support. Clarke admitted the biggest disappointment was the absence of fans for the first tournament due to Covid-19 restrictions. He stated his belief that regular qualification will eventually lead to a breakthrough into the knockout stages. The manager also highlighted the achievement of winning their World Cup qualifying group from a third-seed position.
Napoli and Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo a corrective procedure for a mild, benign arrhythmia next week. The 29-year-old, who was substituted during a recent club match, is expected to miss over a month of action but should return after the September international break. McTominay posted "See you soon, Napoli. I won’t be long" on Instagram following the announcement. The condition, which causes an irregular heartbeat, does not require major surgery. Consultant sports cardiologist Professor Aneil Malhotra explained to The Athletic how heart screening is thorough in elite football, a practice strengthened after past tragedies. McTominay joins a list of footballers who have returned to play after similar procedures.
Alongside Scott McTominay, striker Lawrence Shankland is also currently sidelined, as per the latest squad data. Their absences come at a challenging time for a team looking to improve on a recent run of three consecutive losses. The most recent of those was a 3-0 defeat to group leaders Brazil on June 24th. Steve Clarke's side has conceded four goals while scoring just one in their three World Cup matches so far, leaving them with a negative three goal difference. The full list of unavailable players is tracked on our injuries page.
Scotland's next competitive match is an away World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on September 26th. The team will be aiming to halt a three-game losing streak and close the gap at the top of the group. Their overall form across the last five matches shows two wins and three losses. Preparation for that match will continue without McTominay and Shankland, placing emphasis on other members of the squad to step up. The match in Slovenia represents a critical opportunity to add points before the next international window closes. Scotland's next fixture is scheduled for September 26, 2026.
