Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic does not believe Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour missing their crunch Euro 2020 clash is an advantage for his side.
Chelsea midfielder Gilmour, who was the man of the match during Friday’s draw with England, is out of Tuesday’s game with Croatia.
The 20-year-old has tested positive for Covid-19 and must now self isolate for 10 days in line with health protocols.
Scotland must now cope without Gilmour, but Dalic does not see it as a huge boost for his side ahead of their game at Hampden Park.
“Gilmour played really well against England but up to that game he was never a first-choice option, and he may not have even started against us,” he said.
“I don’t see his absence as our advantage because whoever replaces him will be a more experienced player. Having said that, I wish Gilmour a speedy recovery.”
Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, were well below par in their 1-0 defeat by England followed by a 1-1 draw with the Czechs and Dalic conceded they faced a tough challenge against the Scots at Hampden Park.
“This is our last chance to qualify for the knockout stages and we have to do everything in our power to make it happen,” Dalic said. “Scotland have shown their quality against England but we have to head out to the pitch as favourites.
“We need to be patient and not throw caution to the wind and it doesnât matter how late we leave it as long as we win.”
