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Angus Gunn’s recent injury during Norwich City’s match against Hull in the EFL Championship has raised doubts about his availability for Scotland’s upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Croatia and Portugal.

Norwich City’s head coach, Johannes Hoff Thorup, disclosed that Gunn sustained a rib injury during the impressive 4-0 victory over Hull. As a result, Gunn had to be substituted just before half-time, with George Long taking over the goalkeeping duties.

Thorup provided an update on Gunn’s condition, which might lead to Scotland manager Steve Clarke considering alternatives such as Craig Gordon or Jon McCracken for the national team. With key players like Kieran Tierney, Scott McKenna, John McGinn, and others already unavailable, Clarke is facing some challenges in assembling his squad for the upcoming matches.

Furthermore, recent additions to the Scotland squad, including Nicky Devlin, Liam Lindsay, and Andy Irving, are set to experience their first senior team action in the upcoming double-header. This could provide an opportunity for these players to make an impact and showcase their abilities on the international stage.

Thorup mentioned, “Angus jumped to take the ball and took a knock in the ribs. He was in some discomfort and was unable to come out for the second half. It’s too early to determine if he will be fit to join the Scotland squad, as we need to wait for the results of his scan.”

The uncertainty surrounding Gunn’s availability for the national team adds another layer of complexity for Clarke as he prepares for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. With important matches against strong opponents like Croatia and Portugal on the horizon, Clarke will need to carefully assess his options and make decisions that will benefit the team in Gunn’s potential absence.

In the meantime, Gunn’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands of professional football and the unpredictable nature of sports. It highlights the importance of having depth in the squad and being prepared to adapt to unexpected circumstances, as injuries can occur at any time and impact a team’s performance.

As Scotland navigates through the challenges posed by injuries and player availability, the upcoming Nations League games will provide an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their resilience and determination on the field. Despite the obstacles they may face, Scotland will look to put in strong performances and compete at a high level against their opponents in the upcoming fixtures.