Scotland manager Steve Clarke has firmly refuted claims suggesting that striker Che Adams requested to be excused from the latest national team squad because he wanted extra time to settle into life in Italy.
The 28-year-old started all three games for Scotland at Euro 2024 this summer before joining Torino on a three-year-contract a few weeks later.
Adams, who has scored six times from 33 caps, was included in Clarke's initial pool of players for the upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes, where they will host Poland then face a trip to take on Portugal.
But the former Southampton talisman pulled out from the squad on Tuesday. Adams has featured in all four of Torino's domestic games this season which meant his Scotland absence was a surprise to many.
Clarke is now left with Lyndon Dykes, Tommy Conway, and Lawrence Shankland available as options for the centre-forward position.
"He's got an injury," Clarke stated as he was asked about Adams' situation. "The club informed us on Saturday morning that he'd picked up a knock in the game. The conversation with Che is then does he come across to be assessed and then sent back to Italy, there was no point so that's why he missed out."
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Speculation has been rife since Adams, Robby McCrorie, James Forrest and Greg Taylor withdrew from the squad earlier this week.
One outlet had even suggested that Adams' Scotland future had been cast in doubt.
However, Clarke has been quick to put such talk to bed.
"I can probably get you the email if you want," the Scotland gaffer said. "I've not got it on me this now but there was an official email came from Torino saying that he had injuries that he'd picked up in the games.
"His thigh and his knee, and they asked for him to be withdrawn from the squad.
"I've spoke to Che and the conversation was about to come across and be assessed or stay where you are, and we decided it was best that he stays where he is.
“By the same token, the two Celtic boys who played at the weekend came in on Sunday, got assessed by our medics and sent home because it’s easy, they’re in Glasgow. No big drama on that one.”
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