Scotland National Team Boosted by Key Returns Ahead of European Play-off

Pedro Martinez Losa, head coach of the Scotland women’s national football team, has expressed optimism over the return of Caroline Weir and Emma Watson for the upcoming European Championship first-round play-off against Hungary. Both players, who have been sidelined with anterior cruciate ligament injuries since September 2023, have made comebacks to professional football with Weir playing for Real Madrid and Watson for Manchester United.

Speaking about the significance of Weir’s return, Martinez Losa stated, “She’s a very important player for us. In Spain they have a lot of games, and she has completed all training sessions in pre-season. She’s capable of playing full 90-minute games now with the proper recovery.”

Similarly, Emma Watson has shown readiness through pre-season training with Manchester United. “Emma has started pre-season ahead of schedule. She’s been training with the first team and is now available to play,” Martinez Losa added. “Probably in the final third and offensive-wise we can be more productive. Emma and Caroline are the ones who will be able to help us on that.”

Alongside Weir and Watson, Martinez Losa has recalled Lauren Davidson, Kathy Hill, Rachel McLauchlan, and Emma Mukandi to the squad. The team also welcomes Shannon McGregor from Celtic, who has been called up for the senior team for the first time.

However, the squad will be without the leadership of national captain Rachel Corsie, as the Aston Villa defender is undergoing knee surgery and is not expected to return until December. “Rachel is a big loss in terms of leadership, of course, on and off the pitch,” noted Martinez Losa.

Scotland is set to face Hungary away on October 25, with the second leg scheduled at Hampden Park on October 29. If victorious, they will advance to face either Montenegro or Finland for a place in the finals next summer in Switzerland.

Goalkeepers in the squad include Eartha Cumings (Rosengard), Jenna Fife (Rangers), and Lee Gibson (Glasgow City). Defensive players feature Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Nicola Docherty, Kathy Hill (both Rangers), and others. Midfielders comprise Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Lisa Evans (Glasgow City), Sam Kerr (Bayern), among others. Forwards include Lauren Davidson (Brann), Claire Emslie (Angel City), Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), and more.