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McTominay clears medical hurdle to resume Scotland training ahead of World Cup opener

The 29-year-old had missed Thursday’s session due to an upset stomach but is available for selection against Haiti in Foxborough.

Author
Adrian Cole
Political Correspondent
Published
Draft
Source: BBC Sport · original
Scotland's McTominay trains on eve of opener after stomach upset
Napoli midfielder returns to squad drills after precautionary doctor’s visit

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has resumed training with the national squad, clearing a minor medical hurdle just 24 hours before their historic World Cup opener. The 29-year-old Napoli player participated in Friday’s session, having missed the previous day’s drills due to an upset stomach.

According to reports from BBC Sport, McTominay made a separate journey with a doctor on Thursday as a precautionary measure. While the specific nature of the ailment was not detailed, the visit was interpreted as a standard health check rather than a response to a serious injury. His return to the group indicates he is fit for selection.

The squad, managed by Steve Clarke, travelled from their base camp in Charlotte on Thursday. McTominay’s availability provides a significant boost to the midfield ahead of the match against Haiti at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. The fixture marks Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

McTominay has established himself as a key figure for the national side, recording 15 goals in 70 caps. He recently contributed to the team’s momentum by scoring in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Bolivia, demonstrating his current form despite the recent health scare.

Scotland’s campaign begins in earnest on Saturday, with the kick-off scheduled for 02:00 BST. The team faces a challenging group stage that includes Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil. The immediate focus remains on securing a positive result in the opener, with McTominay’s presence offering tactical flexibility for Clarke.

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