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.
9. RW: James Forrest
Despite being brought back in the squad for the Euros in the summer, the Celtic stalwart hasn't played a minute of international football since the 2-0 friendly win over Gibraltar in June. He'll compete with Ben Doak for a starting spot against Croatia. Has an average rating of 7.03 for the season. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. LW: Lewis Morgan
Should the ex-Celtic man be handed his first start in a Scotland shirt? His form for New York Red Bulls in the MLS has been impressive this season. He has scored 13 goals and has a high average rating of 7.37 for the season. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. CF: Che Adams
He's had an impressive start to his career in Italy with Torino, scoring three goals in his first seven appearances. He outscores both Kevin Nisbet and Lyndon Dykes with an average rating of 6.90. | SNS Group