Manchester City star Erling Haaland has pulled out of Norway's squad for this upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Scotland's group rivals will be without the superstar striker after the 22-year-old was forced to withdraw from the squad with a groin injury.
Norway face games against Spain and Georgia over the next week.
They'll have to contest the games without their talisman, though, who has netted an eye-watering 42 goals in 37 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side.
Spain are nailed on favourites to finish first in the qualifying section. The general consensus is that it'll be between Scotland and Norway to finish in the second spot.
So, Haaland's absence for their opening two fixtures is undoubtedly a blow.
A statement from the Norwegian Football Federation confirmed the news.
It read: "Erling Braut Haaland had some pain in his groin after the match against Burnley.
"We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday, but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia.
"It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club, says national team doctor Ola Sand.
"Haaland thus travels home from the national team meeting.
"Erling took it hard when he realized that he could not fight for the team. Fortunately, there is still plenty of self-confidence, talent, and cohesion in this group to win points in the next matches.
"We are not going to hang on one millimeter, but continue our work to be maximally prepared for Saturday and Tuesday, says national team manager Stale Solbakken."
Meanwhile, another English-based player is set to win his first call-up to the Scotland squad.
It's said that Blackburn Rovers' Dominic Hyam will be drafted into Steve Clarke's latest player pool.
Scotland takes on Cyprus and Spain over the course of the next week as their Euro 2024 qualification campaign gets underway.
The centre-back has been in great form for Rovers so far this season. He's featured in 20 games at the heart of their defence as they aim for promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Hyam played for Scotland at youth level, but aged 27, has never received a senior call-up.
According to the Daily Mail though, that looks set to change.
Their report states that Clarke is set to hand Hyam a late call-up to the squad for both upcoming matches at Hampden.
