Hickey adds to Scotland injury woes for March friendlies

"Aaron Hickey will miss Scotland's World Cup warm-up friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast as injuries continue to plague several key players in Steve Clarke's squad. The Premier League club have revealed they hope the 23-year-old, who was withdrawn at half-time against Brighton and Hove Albion on 21 February with a hamstring problem, "will return after the March international break"."

"Having already lost Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland until April with a hamstring injury, Heart of Midlothian head coach Derek McInnes has also all-but ruled Craig Gordon out of Japan's visit to Hampden on 28 March and the match against Ivory Coast at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium three days later. The 43-year-old goalkeeper has already missed the Scottish Premiership leaders' latest six matches with a shoulder injury."

"John McGinn is also doubt, although the Aston Villa 31-year-old said last week that he is two or three weeks away from a return from a knee injury picked up on 18 January that required surgery and had him initially fearing for his place at this summer's World Cup finals."

Scotland's squad faces significant injury challenges ahead of World Cup warm-up matches. Aaron Hickey will miss both friendlies due to a hamstring injury sustained against Brighton, with Brentford hoping for his return after the March international break. Lawrence Shankland remains sidelined until April with a hamstring injury, while Craig Gordon is likely unavailable due to a shoulder problem. John McGinn is doubtful with a knee injury requiring surgery, though he expects recovery within two to three weeks. Scott McTominay missed consecutive matches following an injury in Napoli's match on February 7, though Billy Gilmour has returned to action after his groin injury.

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