Scotland will be without key midfielder Erin Cuthbert for their upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League (UWNL) matches after the Chelsea star was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
The 26-year-old, who has been a pivotal figure in Scotland’s midfield, will now focus on her recovery as the national team prepares for a crucial period in their UWNL campaign.
A statement confirming her absence read: “Erin Cuthbert has withdrawn from the Scotland squad for our upcoming #UWNL matches through injury. See you back out there soon, Erin.”
Scotland, who are still without a permanent manager since Pedro Martinez Losa was sacked last December, will visit Austria on February 21 before hosting the Netherlands at Hampden Park four days later.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor revealed Cuthbert has been dealing with a rib issue in recent weeks, which sidelined her for Sunday’s Women’s Super League clash against Everton.
She was a noticeable absentee as the Blues secured a nail-biting 2-1 win at Kingsmeadow, with goals from Mayra Ramirez and Lauren James cancelling out Kelly Gago’s opener, extending their lead at the top of the WSL table to seven points.
Discussing Cuthbert’s wellbeing, Bompastor said: “Erin got a knock on her rib a couple of weeks ago. She could manage it, but this week was a little bit more painful so we were cautious with her.
“She’s staying with us for the international break, but should be back after that.”
Here’s the latest Scotland squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Erin Clachers (Hibernian), Eartha Cummings (FC Rosengard), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)
Defenders: Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Leah Eddie (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Leicester City), Emma Lawton (Celtic), Rachel McLauchlan (Brighton & Hove Albion), Amy Muir (Glasgow City), Kirsty Smith (West Ham United).
Midfielders: Chelsea Cornet (Rangers), Freya Gregory (Newcastle United), Sam Kerr (Liverpool), Kirsty Maclean (Rangers), Eilidh Shore (Hearts), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Eilidh Adams (Hibernian), Lauren Davidson (SK Brann), Claire Emslie (Angel City), Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Mia McAulay (Rangers), Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur), Emma Watson (Everton).
