Liam Cooper has been ruled out of Scotland's upcoming international fixtures.
The Leeds United captain will be sidelined for around two months after rupturing a foot ligament in Sunday’s home draw against Cardiff.
The 31-year-old picked up the injury after an awkward landing following scoring Leeds' first goal in the Championship fixture.
The news is a blow for Steve Clarke and the national team. He will certainly miss the Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus on September 8, as well as the friendly match against England at Hampden four days later.
Scotland will then be back in action around a month later with away trips to Spain and France, with the latter another friendly game.
It remains to be seen if the centre-back - who was stretchered off at the weekend - will recover in time to feature in those encounters.
Leeds said in a statement: “Leeds United can confirm Liam Cooper ruptured his plantar fascia during Sunday’s 2-2 Sky Bet Championship draw with Cardiff City.
“As a result of the injury, the Whites captain is ruled out of action for up to eight weeks.
“Crysencio Summerville, who scored Sunday’s late equaliser, also picked up a groin strain during the match, ruling the winger out for up to three weeks.
“Junior Firpo is still recovering from torn lateral ligaments in his knee and is expected to be out for at least four more weeks.”
Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter, Mateo Joseph, Tyler Adams, Jack Harrison, Sam Greenwood, Stuart Dallas and Cody Drameh all missed the game against Cardiff at Elland Road through injury.
At The Herald and Times we know the importance of reaching you where it's convenient, which is why we've engaged top sportswriter James Morgan to bring you an irreverent daily update on what's happening in the world of sport. Be it football, golf, rugby, cricket or something more exotic, James will tread where the best stories take him. To get this bespoke piece sent directly to your email inbox for free every day at 5pm, simply take 5 seconds to type in your email here. It's that simple!
