Caroline Weir ruled out of Scotland’s World Cup play-off against Sweden

Scotland captain Caroline Weir will miss the Women’s World Cup play-off final against Sweden after suffering a setback in her recovery from a muscle injury, BBC Sport reported on Wednesday. Her absence leaves head coach Melissa Andreatta without her captain for the two-legged tie in December, with a place at Brazil 2027 at stake.

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Weir pulled up during the warm-up before Scotland’s home victory over Czechia in Paisley last month and has not appeared for Lyon since, according to the BBC. Aston Villa forward Mia McAulay is also unavailable following a calf problem. Newcastle’s Beth Lumsden and Ipswich striker Eilidh Adams have been added to the squad.

Andreatta expressed disappointment for Weir but said attention would remain on the players available and their collective effort to achieve the required result. The coach also voiced confidence in the squad’s quality, character and preparation, saying Scotland would not be intimidated by their opponents.

The Scottish FA has confirmed that the first leg will take place at the Marbill Coaches Stadium in Paisley on 1 December, kicking off at 7.25pm UK time. The return is scheduled for Stockholm Arena on 5 December at 3pm UK time. BBC Scotland will show the home match, with BBC ALBA broadcasting the away leg.

Scotland reached this stage by beating Czechia 5-2 on aggregate. As detailed by the Scottish FA, a 2-0 away victory was followed by a 3-2 home win in which Scotland recovered from a 2-1 deficit on the night. Kathleen McGovern and Christy Grimshaw scored in that comeback, completing the passage to the final round.

Scotland are seeking their first World Cup appearance since 2019, but winning this tie would not necessarily complete qualification. The Scottish FA says Europe’s lowest-ranked play-off final winner must contest an intercontinental play-off in February, leaving that additional route a possibility even if Scotland overcome Sweden.

BBC Sport noted that Sweden have appeared at every Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991 and finished third at each of the last two editions. Scotland must now face that established tournament record without Weir.