News Focus
- Billy Gilmour has damaged his right knee while on international duty with Scotland
- Medical tests confirm a Grade II sprain that will keep him out for up to two months
- The Napoli midfielder will miss the 2026 World Cup tournament
- This injury follows a groin operation that sidelined him earlier this season
- The Scotland international left the field during the first half of the friendly against Curacao
Napoli have confirmed the severity of Billy Gilmour’s knee injury following his withdrawal from the Scotland squad. The midfielder suffered the setback during a friendly victory against Curacao.
The Scottish international left the pitch before half-time in the match, which ended 4-1. Staff initially hoped he had come off as a precaution. However, hospital scans revealed a Grade II sprain in his right knee.
Club doctors estimate the recovery period will last between four and eight weeks. This timeframe means Gilmour will not recover in time for the 2026 World Cup.
The news comes as a major blow to both player and country. Gilmour had already missed several months this term after undergoing surgery in November 2025. That procedure addressed a groin problem and kept him inactive until February 2026.
He had only recently returned to competitive action. Now he faces another spell on the treatment table. Napoli published the medical update on their official website, confirming the worst fears of supporters and national team coaches.
The absence leaves a gap in the centre of Scotland’s midfield for the global tournament. It also disrupts Gilmour’s preparations for the next club season with Napoli.