The absent XI that Scotland must do without this month

Scotland’s injury crisis is dragging on longer than the summer hangover from Germany.

Following the announcement of Steve Clarke’s squad for the Nations League double-header with Croatia and Portugal, John McGinn and Scott McKenna have become the latest names added to a scroll that stretches the length of the West Highland Way.

If you don’t laugh, you could cry – and that is before you factor in just one win in the national team’s last 14 outings – so let’s have a bit of fun with it.

BBC Scotland has put together an XI comprised of those who are injured or unavailable and you can have your say on how it might fare.

Experienced Clark between sticks

Although not injured, goalkeeper Zander Clark has lost his Scotland place – and his club spot – to Hearts team-mate Craig Gordon.

The 32-year-old, who has gained four caps, looked to had made himself number two behind Angus Gunn after playing the final two Euros qualifiers last November in the absence of his Norwich City counterpart.

The former St Johnstone keeper was a steady pair of hands in a Hearts team that cruised to third last term, playing in 35 of the 38 league games, but Gordon has displaced him this season amid a woeful winless start.

Over 150 caps among five-man defence

Because of the options available, the absent XI will be reverting to Clarke’s previously favoured back five.

That might be a red flag for many when it comes to the poll below, but this defence boasts more than 150 caps and some serious talent.

Occupying right-wing back is Nathan Patterson, who has only just returned to action with Everton reserves after a long spell out, while fellow Premier League defender Aaron Hickey can demonstrate his versatility by filling in on the left.

Brentford’s Hickey, who hasn’t played in a year, is set to miss the majority of this season with the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Euros.

That leaves the three central spots to be filled by Jack Hendry, who hasn’t played this term, Las Palmas’ McKenna, out with a hamstring issue, and Kieran Tierney, who has been out since picking up an injury in Scotland’s Euros draw with the Swiss.

Former Aberdeen duo anchor midfield

To the midfield, where two former Aberdeen players occupy both central spots.

It has been a while since Ross McCrorie played in the centre of the park, given his right-back duties at Bristol City, but the injured 26-year-old will will be in good company with Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson.

Despite lighting up Serie A, Ferguson’s Scotland career is yet to catch fire.

The Euros in the summer felt like the perfect opportunity for him, but a devastating cruciate ligament injury ruled him out long term.

Thankfully, the midfielder is now well on the road to recovery and has returned to training in Italy.

Conway spearheads energetic attack

Aston Villa captain McGinn is a recent addition to Scotland’s injury list.

Having become an integral part of this Scotland side, scoring 18 goals in 69 caps, the 29-year-old walks into our absent XI in an advanced role.

Stuart Armstrong, not injured but unselected, joins McGinn behind injured striker Tommy Conway, who has started his Middlesbrough career with two goals in five English Championship games.

Now at Vancouver Whitecaps following his Southampton exit, Armstrong has scored once in four MLS matches, but the 32-year-old is yet to start after missing the end of last season.

Would fit XI beat absentees?

Clarke can be unpredictable, but based on his current options – and his recent starting XIs – we believe the team above is his most likely line-up.

The question for you is, would that beat our absent XI?

Let us know what you think here…