Scotland’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been hit by a fresh concern, with key defender Scott McKenna missing training sessions ahead of their opening group stage match.
According to reports from talkSPORT, the Nottingham Forest centre-back has sat out the last couple of days of training due to a niggle, sparking worries within Steve Clarke’s camp just days before Scotland face Haiti on Sunday in Charlotte, USA.
Growing Concerns for Steve Clarke
McKenna’s absence adds to Scotland’s injury headaches after already losing midfielder Billy Gilmour to a longer-term issue sustained in a recent friendly. While the problem is described as minor, the timing couldn’t be worse as the squad ramps up preparations in the United States.
Not every player has trained fully in recent sessions due to various minor knocks being managed, but McKenna’s absence has been specifically noted as a point of concern for the defensive unit.
McKenna’s Importance to Scotland
The 29-year-old has been a reliable presence in Scotland’s backline in recent years. His leadership and aerial ability make him a vital component in Clarke’s setup. Fans and pundits will be watching closely for any positive updates on his fitness in the coming days.
Scotland are under no illusions about the challenge ahead in what is expected to be a very tough World Cup group, making every available player crucial.
Latest Updates
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the Scottish FA on the extent of the issue or whether McKenna will be fit for the tournament opener. Fitness updates are expected in the next 24-48 hours.
What do you think? Will McKenna recover in time, or could this force Clarke into defensive reshuffling? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: talkSPORT & latest World Cup coverage.
Stay tuned for more updates as Scotland gear up for their 2026 World Cup campaign.
