There are growing concerns that Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour’s World Cup-ending injury may be more serious than initially reported. Concurrently, Scotland supporters are voicing their discontent regarding the decision to exclude Udinese’s Lennon Miller from the national team.
The Scottish national team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, were significantly disrupted when Gilmour was forced to leave the field during the recent 4-1 friendly victory against Curacao due to injury. Later that evening, it was confirmed that scan results indicated a knee injury severe enough to prevent his participation in the tournament.
Gilmour Undergoing Further Tests for Knee Injury
Napoli issued a statement clarifying that Gilmour sustained a Grade II sprain of his right knee and would be returning to Naples for additional diagnostic tests with the club’s medical staff. However, newspaper Il Mattino suggests that Napoli officials are concerned about the possibility of collateral ligament damage, which can only be accurately assessed once the swelling from the sprain subsides. If this is indeed the case, Gilmour could be sidelined for two to three months.
In the meantime, Scotland fans have taken to social media to express their frustration. They are questioning the decision to replace Gilmour in the World Cup squad with 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher, who only made his debut in the aforementioned friendly. Many fans believe that Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, also 19, would have been a more deserving inclusion. Miller has had a productive season with Udinese, making 26 competitive appearances, scoring one goal, and providing two assists, including 10 starts in Serie A and the Coppa Italia. In contrast, Fletcher has had limited game time for Manchester United, with just two substitute appearances in the Premier League totaling 17 minutes this season.
