Robertson and McTominay both fit after injury scares
ANDY ROBERTSON and Scott McTominay have handed Steve Clarke timely boosts by confirming they sustained no lasting damage after weekend injury scares while playing for their respective clubs. Liverpool full-back Robertson went down towards the end of his side’s draw with West Ham and gestured over to the substitutes’ bench that he wanted to come off. Despite finishing the game, the 30-year-old was seen limping as he boarded the team bus.
Mail Sport understands, however, that an assessment carried out by medical staff yesterday revealed the Scotland captain had only sustained an impact injury with no scan required.
Robertson is expected to play for his club against Tottenham on Sunday with no fears over his involvement for his country in this summer European Championship.
Further good news for Clarke came last night when Manchester United midfielder McTominay took to social media to confirm he was also fine after being forced off injured during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
The 27-year-old came on for Kobbie Mainoo in the 65th minute before going down in the penalty area during stoppage time and was himself replaced by Mason Mount for the final few minutes of the Premier League game.
One of the standout players of Scotland’s qualifying campaign with seven goals, McTominay’s fitness would have been another major concern for Clarke ahead of the Euro 2024 finals. Posting on his Instagram account, though, the player said: ‘I slipped and fell awkward on my knee similar to against Chelsea.
‘Nothing serious, just hypertension, but I was angry and upset that I thought it was worse than it was.
‘Hoping to be back on the pitch very soon to help the team as much as I can.’ The positive bulletins from the influential pair came after a recent run of bad news for the Scotland manager. Last week, Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson was ruled out after suffering a serious knee injury.
Aaron Hickey isn’t expected to play for Brentford again this season and faces a race against time as Clarke prepares to name his final squad.
Everton’s Nathan Patterson, the most likely replacement for Hickey at right wing-back, is also struggling to make it after sustaining a hamstring injury that may require surgery.
Southampton’s Stuart Armstrong looked to have suffered a serious quad muscle injury for his club against Cardiff, but Mail Sport believes the midfielder is still on track to make Germany.
Kieran Tierney is also expected to only be sidelined for just two weeks after damaging his abductor muscle while playing for Spanish Primera Division outfit Real Sociedad.
Clarke was expected to name a 23-man squad for the tournament which will see his side take on Germany, Switzerland and Hungary. However, it’s believed that UEFA may allow competing nations to now take 26 players.