Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Clarke has extended a heartfelt invitation to the stricken Napoli midfielder while acknowledging the psychological toll his absence has taken on the rest of the squad.
The Scotland manager is hoping to welcome Gilmour back into the World Cup camp in the United States, with the final decision left entirely to the player himself.
Clarke broke his silence in a powerful and emotional interview, revealing the profound distress that followed last weekend’s friendly against Curacao in New Jersey.
He described a tearful meeting with Gilmour’s family at Lesser Hampden immediately after the devastating assessment was delivered to the heartbroken midfielder.
Clarke also spoke about the silent car ride he shared with a shattered Gilmour back to the team hotel in Glasgow City centre following the crushing blow.
Seven days on, Clarke wants Gilmour back in the fold as Scotland prepare for Group C showdowns against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil over the next three weeks.
Asked whether Gilmour could rejoin the squad before any of those fixtures, Clarke said: “If the treatment plan allows him to. He has to go back to Napoli and Napoli have to decide what he can do.”
Clarke added: “I did say, ‘Look, it would be great if you could get out for one of the games and maybe stay around the squad for three or four days,’. That would help everybody I think.”
The manager was clear that the final call belongs to the player, saying: “Maybe he doesn’t want to do it. Maybe he doesn’t want to come out. So we’ll leave that one to Billy. If and when it happens it would be good.”
Scotland have been preparing for the tournament at Inter Miami’s multi-million dollar training complex in Florida before travelling north to New Jersey for a final warm-up against Bolivia.
Clarke openly admitted his squad is now haunted by thoughts that another player could be struck down by injury just days before the tournament’s opening fixtures.
He said: “It’s going to be difficult for the players. Every player who was at Lesser Hampden when Lyndon Dykesie did his knee before the last Euros feels the impact.”
Clarke continued: “Then obviously losing Billy in that game at the weekend will affect the mood of some of the players playing in the next game against Bolivia.”
Despite the anxiety hanging over the camp, the Scotland boss stressed his side must push through it, saying: “I’ll be sitting there saying the same things, ‘I hope we don’t get any injuries, I hope it goes well.'”
About the Author
