The Scottish FA announced that Stephen Welsh has withdrawn from Scotland's squad, with Ryan Porteous replacing him. Scotland will host North Macedonia on Friday before travelling to face Switzerland on Monday, 16 November.
Welsh injury assessment
Welsh sustained the injury scare following a challenge from Ebou Adams during Swansea's 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth on Tuesday. A scan showed that the 26-year-old had not suffered a significant problem.
Porteous returns to Scotland
Welsh has earned all four of his caps since Sebastien Pocognoli was appointed Scotland head coach in the summer. Porteous last played for Scotland under Steve Clarke in March 2025, coming on as a late substitute to win his 13th cap in a 1-0 Nations League play-off win in Greece.
Porteous' club appearances
Porteous left Watford for Los Angeles last August, having finished the previous season on loan to Preston. He has made 35 appearances this year for the Los Angeles side, which sits sixth in the Western Conference and 12th in the overall Major League Soccer table.
Scotland's group target
Scotland must take at least four points from their final two group games to have a chance of making the promotion play-offs.
