Scotland’s Euro 2024 campaign has been dealt a significant blow with the confirmation that both right-backs Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey will miss the tournament due to injury, according to assistant manager John Carver.
Patterson, who plays for Everton, was sidelined after sustaining a hamstring injury during a match against Chelsea last month, requiring surgery. Similarly, Brentford’s Hickey suffered a hamstring injury at Stamford Bridge and has been out of action since October.
This double setback follows the news of Lewis Ferguson’s absence from the tournament due to cruciate ligament damage.
Carver, speaking to STV, acknowledged the impact of losing key players: “It’s three big players for us and three players who have done extremely well for us in the qualifiers and in recent times.”
The absence of Patterson and Hickey creates a vacancy in Steve Clarke’s squad, with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston being the only other right-sided wing-back in contention. Additionally, Ross McCrorie of Bristol City, who has experience at right-back, has been called up as a late addition to the squad.
Scotland’s options for the wing-back position include Stephen O’Donnell and Celtic’s James Forrest. However, O’Donnell has not been part of the squad for two years, while Forrest last featured in the European Championship three years ago.
Carver recently attended Aberdeen’s victory over Hibernian, where Nicky Devlin and Chris Cadden featured at right-back, though his focus was reportedly on midfielder Connor Barron.
The absence of Patterson and Hickey poses a challenge for Scotland as they prepare for Euro 2024, with the team now forced to adapt and adjust their lineup ahead of the tournament.
