Fear Gilmour injury is serious and anger grows over Scotland Serie A snub for 2026 World Cup

By Samira Vishwas On Jun 1, 2026

There are reports Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour’s World Cup ending injury is even worse than first feared, while Scotland fans complain at Udinese’s Lennon Miller being snubbed.

The Scotland team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada were rocked when Gilmour limped off during yesterday’s 4-1 friendly win over Curacao.

That evening, it was confirmed that the scan had shown the knee injury was serious enough to rule him out of the tournament.

Gilmour still having tests on knee injury

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 30: Billy Gilmour of Scotland leaves the pitch with an injury during the international friendly match between Scotland and Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

A statement from Napoli clarified that it was a Grade II sprain of the right knee and that he would return to Naples for more tests with his club’s medical staff.

Now Il Mattino newspaper suggest Napoli are worried Gilmour might have collateral ligament damage too, something that can only be ascertained once the swelling from the sprain goes down.

If confirmed, that could keep him out of action for two to three months.

NAPLES, ITALY - NOVEMBER 01: Billy Gilmour of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Nico Paz of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) — NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Billy Gilmour of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Nico Paz of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Scotland fans are protesting online that Gilmour was replaced in the World Cup squad by 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher who only made his debut in yesterday’s friendly.

They believe that the extra name on the flight to America should’ve been Udinese midfielder Lennon Miller, who is also 19, but made 26 competitive appearances for the Friulani this season.

He scored one goal and provided two assists for Udinese, starting 10 of those matches between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

In comparison, Fletcher made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League for Manchester United this term, for a total 17 minutes on the pitch.