Arsenal have been a major blow in the opening days of the international break as Kieran Tierney is required to self-isolate for 14 days after Stuart Armstrong tested positive for COVID-19.
Most importantly, it had been confirmed that no other members of the Scotland squad had tested positive which will serve as a silver lining.
Despite this Tierney was identified as somebody who had close contact with the midfielder so he is expected to self-isolate until October 20 as Armstrong's test was taken on October 6.
"Stuart [Armstrong] will self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the test – Tuesday, 6 October - and will now be unavailable for the forthcoming international matches," a statement read on the official Scottish FA website.
"All other members of the squad have returned negative results. However, the Lothian Health Protection Team have identified two players and two members of the backroom staff as close contacts.
"As a consequence, Kieran Tierney and Ryan Christie – along with one physiotherapist and one masseur - will require to self-isolate for 14 days as of yesterday, and will also miss the forthcoming matches."
In the short-term this will rule the Scot out of Arsenal's Premier League trip to Manchester City on Saturday October 17, the Gunners' first game back after the international break.
As his period of self-isolation is expected to end on October 20, he could be in contention for Arsenal's first Europa League game of the season against Rapid Wien on October 22, however, whether Mikel Arteta will take the risk is another question.
"While this is obviously disappointing news the most important thing is the health and safety of the individuals involved and the wider group," Scotland manager, Steve Clarke said of the news.
"As soon as we were informed of the positive test, the Chief Medical Consultant immediately contacted the Scottish Government’s clinical adviser, who in turn alerted the local Health Protection Team.
"We have informed the respective clubs from whom we have borrowed the players and backroom staff and we now have to prepare for a huge match ahead tomorrow."
