Scotland's Lyndon Dykes is RULED OUT of Euro 2024 after suffering a 'freak' injury in training... leaving Steve Clarke with just two senior strikers ahead of Germany opener

Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes has been ruled out of Euro 2024 after suffering an injury in training, it has been confirmed. 

Dykes, 28, was carried off on a stretcher during a session yesterday just two weeks before Steve Clarke's side begin their group stage campaign against Germany.

A Scotland statement, posted on X, read: 'Following an injury in training yesterday, Lyndon Dykes has been ruled out of the squad for UEFA EURO 2024. 

'We're gutted for you, Lyndon, but know you'll be back in a Scotland shirt soon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.'

The frontman has scored nine goals in his 36 international appearances to date.

Dykes' absence has left manager Steve Clarke with just two recognised strikers - Southampton's Che Adams and Hearts ace Lawrence Shankland. 

Videos emerged on social media showing Dykes lying on the ground after suffering an apparent knee issue while gearing up for Monday's friendly against Gibraltar.

He had featured in all eight of Scotland's Euro 2024 qualifiers and scored one goal. 

His international team-mate Ryan Christie revealed Dykes' injury was a bizarre accident on the training field and admitted he was lost for words.

'All the boys are gutted for Lyndon yesterday as it was a freak thing to happen,' Christie said. 'We have had a few injuries leading into the summer, so it's frustrating.

'Dykesy has been off for a while now after the Championship season. I am quite close with him and I know how hard he worked in his weeks off.'

'It is just one of those things and there is not much that me or the other boys can say to him right now. We are just trying to get behind him and support him.'

Clarke will also be without Everton defender Nathan Patterson, Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson and Brentford full back Aaron Hickey this summer. 

Scott McTominay, John Souttar and Stuart Armstrong reported for duty at Scotland's camp carrying knocks suffered at the end of the league season.

Dykes made 43 appearances last season for his club QPR and scored seven goals.