McTominay misses training with stomach complaint ahead of Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti

Scott McTominay missed Scotland training at the Atrium Heath Training Centre in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday due to a stomach complaint, casting a brief shadow over the squad’s preparations for their World Cup Group C opener against Haiti on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Napoli midfielder was not the only absentee, with defender Scott McKenna also sitting out after picking up a knock. Despite the disruption, both players are expected to be available for the curtain-raiser in Boston.

McTominay’s fitness will be closely monitored given his importance to Steve Clarke’s side. The midfielder has been one of Serie A’s standout performers over the past two seasons since leaving Manchester United, scoring 12 league goals as Napoli won the title under Antonio Conte in 2024-25, and netting 10 the season before to help the club finish second and secure a Champions League place.

Scotland are appearing in their first World Cup since 1998, when they faced the same opponents — Brazil and Morocco — in a group stage campaign that ended with a single point from three games. They lost 2-1 to Brazil and were beaten 3-0 by Morocco before a 1-1 draw with Norway proved insufficient to advance.

The task ahead is no less daunting this time around. After Sunday’s clash with Haiti, Scotland face Morocco — who reached the semi-finals at the 2022 Qatar World Cup — and five-time winners Brazil in what is widely regarded as one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

Progressing from Group C would represent a historic achievement for Scottish football, and Clarke’s squad will need their key players available and in form from the first whistle if they are to have any realistic chance of reaching the knockout rounds.