Napoli midfielder Gilmour at risk for 2026 World Cup after Scotland injury | OneFootball

Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury in Scotland’s friendly and Steve Clarke admits he could be in doubt for the World Cup. ‘I’m hoping and praying.’

Gilmour pulled up just before half-time in the 4-1 victory over Curaçao and left the field following a discussion with the medical staff.

At the time, it did not seem particularly serious and he was not visibly limping.

However, in his press conference after the match, Scotland manager Clarke confessed it was a worrying situation.

Scotland worried about Gilmour injury

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Scott McTominay of Napoli poses for a photo as he celebrates victory with teammate Billy Gilmour following the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“We’re just waiting on it, we’ll see how bad it is,” said Clarke.

“He’s gone for a scan, I’ve not spoken to him. He hurt himself in the tackle and then made the decision he had to come off, he knew it wasn’t right.

“We’ll have to see what the medics say, there’s no point speculating or thinking the worst. The scan will be tonight, that’s all I can tell you. I’m hoping and praying he’s on the plane with us.”

Gilmour turns 25 next month and is hoping that he can celebrate his birthday by participating in the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

He came to Napoli from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2024, winning the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana.

Napoli midfielder and Scotland international Billy Gilmour gives a thumbs up from his hospital bed in London after having an operation on a sports hernia issue (Picture: @Billygilmour via Instagram)

The player had a lot of injury problems already this season, making just 20 appearances and scoring one goal.

The longest lay-off was from November to February, during which he had surgery for a recurring groin issue.