Scotland have been hit with a huge injury blow ahead of this month’s Euro 2024 in Germany.
Steve Clarke’s men are set to kick off the tournament against host nation Germany at the Allianz Arena on June 14 but is facing an injury crisis.
On Friday afternoon, striker Lyndon Dykes was stretchered off after suffering a serious injury.
As a result, Clarke is now left with only two natural strikers, in the shapes of Hearts star Lawrence Shankland and Southampton frontman Che Adams.
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Scotland player Ryan Christie described Dykes’ injury as a ‘freak’ accident.
He said: “All the boys are gutted for Lyndon yesterday as it was a freak thing to happen. We have had a few injuries leading into the summer, so it's frustrating.
“Dykesy has been off for a while now after the Championship season. I am quite close with him and I know how hard he worked in his weeks off.”
Christie added: “It is just one of those things and there is not much that me or the other boys can say to him right now.
“We are just trying to get behind him and support him, and I'm sure he will be supporting on.”
A statement from Scotland read: “Following an injury in training yesterday, Lyndon Dykes has been ruled out of the squad for UEFA EURO 2024.
“We’re gutted for you, Lyndon, but know you’ll be back in a Scotland shirt soon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Clarke said: “This squad have been fantastic for me and fantastic for their country and now they have a chance to create a bit of history, so let’s see if we can do that.
“We will need top level performances against good teams, we are going to have to play to our maximum in the three group games.”
Marcus Chan