Scotland coach Steve Clarke addresses concerns over Che Adams and Celtic call-offs

Clarke provides an update on the fitness of Che Adams and the Celtic players called up to the Scotland squad

Che Adams withdraws from Scotland squad due to injury

Scotland coach Steve Clarke has addressed concerns over the fitness of Che Adams and the Celtic players called up to the squad. Adams has withdrawn from the squad due to a knee injury, while Celtic players Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor, and David Turnbull have all been released back to their club due to fitness concerns.

Clarke said that he was "disappointed" to lose Adams from the squad, but that he understood the player's decision to withdraw. "Che has been struggling with a knee injury for a few weeks now, and he's not quite ready to play at international level," Clarke said. "We've had a good chat, and he's agreed that it's best for him to stay with his club and get fully fit."

Clarke also said that he was "hopeful" that McGregor, Taylor, and Turnbull would be fit to join up with the squad later this week. "All three players have been carrying knocks, but they're all making good progress," Clarke said. "We'll continue to monitor their fitness, and we're hopeful that they'll be able to join up with us later this week."

Scotland are due to play Ukraine in a friendly match on Wednesday, before facing the Republic of Ireland in a UEFA Nations League match on Saturday.