Grant Hanley To Miss Scotland's Friendlies Against Netherlands And Northern Ireland

In a significant development for Scottish football, Grant Hanley has been ruled out of the Scotland squad for the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Northern Ireland. The decision comes as Norwich City, Hanley's club, aims to return the defender to peak physical condition following a lengthy injury layoff.

Hanley, 26, has been a key player for Norwich City, making nine appearances since his return to action on Boxing Day after an eight-month hiatus due to an Achilles injury. Despite his comeback, Hanley has missed Norwich's last two Championship matches after sustaining an injury during their match against Middlesbrough earlier this month.

The Scottish Football Association announced on Tuesday morning that Hanley would not participate in Scotland's friendly matches. This absence means that Hanley will not have represented his national team for over a year by the time Scotland's squad is selected for the European Championships.

Norwich manager David Wagner shared insights into the decision after the team's victory at Stoke on Saturday. Wagner revealed that following discussions with Hanley and the club's fitness and medical staff, it was agreed to withdraw him from team training. The aim is to focus on a tailored individual programme to restore Hanley's explosive power and sharpness, attributes that had distinguished him as a top defender in the division.

Wagner praised Hanley's physicality and expressed confidence in the defender's ability to regain his best form. He acknowledged the severity of Hanley's Achilles injury and emphasized the need for patience and targeted rehabilitation to help Hanley return to his pre-injury performance levels.

As Scotland prepares for its friendly matches without Hanley, it remains uncertain whether a replacement centre-back will be called up. Hanley, who has earned 48 caps for Scotland, last played for his national team in a victory over Spain a year ago.

This development underscores the challenges athletes face in recovering from serious injuries and highlights the importance of careful management to ensure a successful return to competitive sports. As Hanley works towards regaining his fitness, both Norwich City and the Scottish national team will be keenly anticipating his return to action.