Clarke gave the players some time off following Wednesday’s dispiriting defeat to Ukraine in the World Cup play-off semi-final and before preparations begin for Wednesday’s clash against Armenia at Hampden Park.

The squad has reconvened at the Scotland base at Oriam today for a debrief of the Ukraine game but Dykes isn’t among them. The Queens Park Rangers striker is the first to withdraw with a quad muscle issue. Dykes was replaced at half-time against Ukraine. No one has been called up as yet.

Clarke sounded as if he was preparing the way for further call-offs. “(There’s a) few knocks and niggles that we will just assess over the weekend,” he said. “There are one or two who have maybe got more than a knock. We will probably decide later on Sunday or Monday.”

Lyndon Dykes has withdrawn from the Scotland squad after being replaced at half-time during the defeat to Ukraine. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Asked who he would support in tonight’s World Cup play-off final between Wales and Ukraine, Clarke said: “That is a loaded question! I hope it is a good game. I have a lot of friends in the Welsh camp as well. I hope it is a good game and the best team goes through.”

After taking on Armenia, Scotland travel to Dublin to face Ireland on Saturday before rounding off the international window with a trip to Armenia next Tuesday.

Lyndon Dykes withdraws from Scotland squad as Steve Clarke hints further call-offs possible

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