Scotland return to competitive action this week as they travel to Zagreb to face Croatia in Group A1 of the Nations League.
On a barren run of that has resulted in them winning just once in their last 13 games, Steve Clarke’s task of pulling off a shock result against Luka Modric and co. has been made all the more difficult with 10 players ruled out of the clash through injury.
Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland, Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn and Celtic full-back Greg Taylor were all forced to withdraw from the camp earlier this week, while John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Lewis Ferguson, Kieran Tierney, Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Jack Hendry were already confirmed to be missing before the squad was announcement.
The injuries do present uncapped players like Nicky Devlin, Liam Lindsay and Robby McCrorie a rare opportunity to stake a claim in the starting XI though, while Kevin Nisbet has also been recalled by Clarke after a year in international exile.
But who would make Scotland’s starting XI this weekend if the team was picked on a player’s average rating from the 24/25 season so far?
Using popular statistics website FotMob, these 11 players are who should be start Saturday’s game in Zagreb.
5. LB: Andy Robertson
As Scotland's captain, he starts the game without a shadow of his doubt. With a 7.05 average rating for the season, he should do too. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. CM: Scott McTominay
He's had a hugely impressive start to life at Napoli, scoring twice in his opening five games. McTominay is Scotland's talisman and starts in midfield. Has an average rating of 7.22 for the season. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. CM: Kenny McLean
He started both of Scotland's last two Nations League games, and the Norwich City captain should continue in the starting XI based on his average rating of 7.37. | SNS Group / SFA Photo: SNS Group
8. CAM: Ryan Gauld
He's been in superb form for Vancouver Whitecaps this season, scoring nine goals and assisting a further 12 in the MLS. His average rating of 7.81 would assure him of a place in this starting XI. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group