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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Scotland facing Scott McTominay Napoli fitness concern

Scotland could be worried about Scott McTominay's fitness ahead of its crucial Nations League double-header against Greece. 

Next week, Steve Clarke's side will face Greece in a play-off to determine whether they will remain in Section A of the next competition or be relegated to Section B.

Clarke named his squad for the international games on Tuesday, with the likes of McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson and Che Adams all coming back from Italy for the matches.

McTominay has been outstanding for Napoli since his arrival on last summer's transfer deadline day.

Gilmour has been made to bide his time, however, after impressing during last weekend's victory over Fiorentina, it seems the Ayrshire-born midfielder will get an extended run in the team.

McTominay picked up a small knock during the game. 

However, what is of more concern to Clarke and the rest of Scotland is that reports in the Italian media suggest McTominay has been forced to reduce his training regime as he fights off burnout.

Tuttosport report: "There is great concern about the condition of McTominay, who was substituted in the 86th minute of the match against Fiorentina.

"The medical staff is adopting milder training for the Scot, in order to manage his fatigue phase due to the enormous work he is doing in Napoli."

Naples-based journalist Raffaele Auriemma also told StileTV: "Napoli have been playing with a four man defence for the past two games, with two or four midfielders and two forwards.

"They are not playing with a 3-5-2, they have only done so in two games (Lazio and Como). McTominay is currently exhausted.

"He has been doing different (training) work for a week and we need to understand whether it is better to play with him or use (Philip) Billing, but only Conte can know that."

Clarke will be hoping that some extra rest will keep McTominay fresh enough for the first leg of the play-off in Greece next Thursday, before the return match at Hampden on Sunday, March 23.

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