Scotland midfielder Gilmour to have surgery

Scotland and Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour is facing an extended absence after the Italian club confirmed he will have surgery on Monday.

The Serie A side have not disclosed the nature of Gilmour's injury, or a timeframe for his return, but the 24-year-old has missed the past month, reportedly with a groin issue.

Gilmour sat out Scotland's recent qualifiers against Greece and Denmark through injury as the national team reached their first World Cup finals since 1998.

A brief Napoli statement said: "Billy Gilmour will undergo surgery in London on Monday, accompanied by Gennaro De Luca from the club's medical staff."

Gilmour has made 12 appearances for the Serie A champions this term and had to be withdrawn before half-time during his last appearance for the club, a goalless draw against Como on 1 November.