File photo of Kieran Tierney.
Scotland has lost three players including Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney from its squad for a European Championship playoff on Thursday after UEFA-mandated COVID-19 tests.
The Scottish soccer federation said Wednesday that midfielder Stuart Armstrong tested positive, and Tierney plus Ryan Christie were classed as “close contacts” and must self-isolate.
All three players are unavailable to face Israel in a Euro 2020 playoff in Glasgow on Thursday.
The winner at Hampden Park will advance to play away against Norway or Serbia on Nov. 12 with a place at Euro 2020 at stake. Scotland is one of the 12 host nations and would have two home games in the group stage if it qualifies.
Tierney and Celtic’s Christie were in Scotland’s starting lineup against Israel in a Nations League game last month. Armstrong came on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw at Hampden.
The Scottish federation said Armstrong started a 10-day self-isolation on Tuesday. That expires before his club Southampton next plays in the Premier League.
Tierney and Christie have begun 14-day quarantine periods that rule both players out of their next club games on Oct. 17. Arsenal is away to Manchester City and Celtic hosts Rangers in an Old Firm derby.
The Euro 2020 playoffs begin Thursday with 16 teams competing for the last four places in a 24-nation lineup. The finals tournament is now scheduled to begin in June 2021, delayed a year due to the pandemic.
