Scotland have been hit by a double injury blow ahead of their World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine.
Everton full-back Nathan Patterson is set to be operated on after sustaining an ankle injury, while Kieran Tierney requires surgery on his left knee.
While the exact recovery time-frames of both players are yet to be established, they both appear to be in a race to be fit for the June international window.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Everton manager Frank Lampard said: “Nathan Patterson will be out for a certain period of time – he’s been down to see a specialist on his ankle and we’re looking to having a small operation later this week, so he’ll be out.”
Meanwhile, Tierney requires surgery to his left knee after scans and assessments confirmed there was damage.
Arsenal said in a statement: “A specialist consultation took place on Tuesday, and as a result of further discussions with Kieran and our medical team, it has been decided that Kieran requires surgery to his knee. This procedure will take place in London in the forthcoming days.
“Kieran’s rehabilitation programme will start immediately after his surgery, at which stage a clearer understanding will be established on his recovery timescale. However, it is likely that Kieran will now miss the remainder of this season.
“Everyone at the club will now be supporting and working hard with Kieran to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.
Scotland are scheduled to play Ukraine in a World Cup semi-final play-off at Hampden in June, after the original fixture in March was postponed following Russia’s invasion.
The winners of that tie will travel to Cardiff to play Wales for a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which begins in November.
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