With key injuries mounting, Scotland’s Euro 2024 hopes face a challenge as several crucial players are sidelined.

Scotland has been dealt a significant blow ahead of Euro 2024, with key players ruled out due to injuries. The Tartan Army will be without right-backs Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey, as confirmed by assistant manager John Carver.

Patterson, who plays for Everton, sustained a hamstring injury during a match against Chelsea last month, and will require surgery. Brentford’s Hickey, also a right-back, has been sidelined since October due to a similar injury sustained in a match at Stamford Bridge.

This double blow follows the unfortunate news that Lewis Ferguson has also been ruled out of the tournament after suffering serious damage to his cruciate ligament. Carver acknowledged the significant loss, stating, “It’s three crucial players, all of whom have been vital in our recent qualifiers.”

The injury crisis has left Steve Clarke with a gap to fill in the squad. Celtic’s Anthony Ralston, the only other right-sided wing-back available, had been included in recent friendlies against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland, but the team will have to find alternatives.

Versatile Bristol City player Ross McCrorie, who has previously played as a right-back, was a late addition to the squad. Additionally, experienced players such as Stephen O’Donnell and Celtic’s James Forrest have featured in the wing-back position for Scotland, though O’Donnell has not been in the squad for two years, and Forrest’s last involvement was during the previous European Championship.

Carver also attended Aberdeen’s 4-0 victory over Hibernian, where right-backs Nicky Devlin and Chris Cadden both played, although Carver was primarily there to observe midfielder Connor Barron.

The loss of these key players leaves Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign looking uncertain, with Clarke’s squad now needing to adapt and find replacements for these crucial positions.