GLASGOW (AFP) - Steven Pressley has pulled out of Scotland's squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova in another setback for manager Berti Vogts.
Vogts had hoped the Hearts defender would recover in time after suffering from a virus but Pressley has now left Scotland's Dumbarton base.
Vogts already knew he would have to do without defenders Jackie McNamara, John Kennedy, Malky Mackay, Lee Wilkie and Christian Dailly for both games.
Defender Gary Caldwell admits Pressley's illness is a big blow for the squad.
He said: "It is difficult. Elvis (Pressley) and Andy Webster had a good partnership in defence and they obviously know each other well. But we have today and tomorrow to work on it and get it right. We will be ready for Saturday's game."
But one piece of good news ahead of Saturday's clash at Hampden is that skipper Barry Ferguson will play through the pain barrier to boost Scotland's chances of qualification despite suffering from a hamstring strain.
Scotland then travel to Moldova on Wednesday for the second part of their double-header.