“BIG BLOW” – Celtic Top-of-the-Table Pursuit MARRED By Player’s Injury in International Duty.He Has Been ‘Ruled out’ of Nations League….

Celtic and Scotland Rocked by Fresh Injury Woe as James Forrest Ruled Out

Scotland’s national team has suffered another significant blow ahead of their crucial Nations League double-header against Croatia and Portugal. Celtic winger James Forrest has been ruled out of the squad due to injury, leaving only one Celtic player, Anthony Ralston, in the team.

Forrest’s absence is the latest in a series of setbacks for Scotland manager Steve Clarke, who has already lost several key players to injury. The 33-year-old Celtic stalwart, capped 39 times by Scotland, will remain in Glasgow for treatment.

Clarke’s squad has been severely depleted, with influential players such as John McGinn, Lewis Ferguson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, and Nathan Patterson sidelined due to injuries. Greg Taylor and Lawrence Shankland also dropped out earlier this week.

Forrest’s injury, although unclear in severity, will be assessed by Celtic’s physio team over the coming days. His absence will be felt, as Scotland seeks to bounce back from agonizing defeats to Poland and Portugal in Nations League A.

The recent call-offs have forced Clarke to name six uncapped players, including goalkeepers Jon McCracken and Robby McCrorie. Veteran Hearts stopper Craig Gordon is expected to start between the sticks.

Aberdeen full-backs Jack McKenzie and Nicky Devlin have been rewarded for their impressive start to the season, while Preston North End centre-back Liam Lindsay and West Ham United midfielder Andy Irving could also debut.

Scotland’s hopes of remaining in the top tier of the Nations League hang in the balance. Clarke’s team will face Croatia in Zagreb on Saturday before hosting Portugal.

The injury crisis has raised concerns about Scotland’s ability to compete against top-tier opponents. Clarke will need to rely on his remaining players to step up and deliver.

Celtic, too, will be impacted by Forrest’s injury, as they prepare for their top-of-the-table encounter against Aberdeen at Parkhead on October 19.