Scott McTominay Absent as Scotland Team Arrive at Boston Hotel

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay did not travel with the team bus when the squad arrived at their hotel in Boston after missing Thursday’s training session with an upset stomach. The Napoli player, who has become one of Scotland’s most important performers in recent campaigns, was with the squad when they travelled from their base camp in Charlotte, but later made his own onward journey accompanied by a doctor. The decision is understood to have been precautionary rather than a sign of a serious issue.

McTominay’s status has drawn attention because Scotland are preparing to begin their first World Cup campaign in 28 years. Steve Clarke’s side open their tournament on Saturday evening against Haiti at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, with kick-off set for Sunday at 02:00 BST. Scotland will then face Morocco and Brazil in the group stage as they attempt to make an impact in the competition.

The 29-year-old midfielder has been central to Scotland’s recent progress and has often provided goals as well as leadership from midfield. He has scored 15 goals in 70 international appearances and was on target in Scotland’s convincing 4-0 victory over Bolivia last Saturday. His presence is viewed as especially valuable as Scotland enter a demanding group at a major tournament where experience and form could prove decisive.

Scotland supporters have been arriving in Boston in large numbers ahead of the team’s opening fixture, and many will be waiting for an update on McTominay’s condition when Clarke speaks to the media on Friday. The manager’s assessment is expected to provide clarity on whether the midfielder will be available for the Haiti match.

Speaking at Thursday’s media conference, midfielder Kenny McLean said he hoped the illness would not spread through the squad. He expressed confidence that McTominay would recover in time, while also underlining the midfielder’s importance to the team. McLean noted that Scotland operate as a collective but acknowledged that players with McTominay’s quality are difficult to replace.

Scotland head into the tournament with momentum from their recent friendly win over Bolivia and with strong backing from their travelling support. However, McTominay’s fitness will remain a key talking point until the team receives confirmation on whether he is ready for selection. With Scotland beginning a World Cup after nearly three decades away from the competition, any concern over one of their leading players has taken on added significance.