Bakkali sits out Belgian training

PSV Eindhoven’s Zakaria Bakkali is a doubt for Belgium’s World Cup qualifying clash with Scotland after sitting out training yesterday.

The uncapped 17-year-old, sidelined for a fortnight with a groin injury, had appeared to be winning his fitness race for Friday’s Hampden showdown after making his comeback for PSV as a substitute in the weekend draw with Cambuur.

But Bakkali, who has been linked with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal this summer, has now been sent for a scan over the unspecified problem. A Belgian FA spokesperson said: “Bakkali did not train with the group on Monday. He is going for scan.”

The forward was in line to make his debut for Marc Wilmots’ Group A leaders against Scotland. The exciting youngster was forced to pull out of last month’s squad for the friendly against France due to injury.

Bakkali became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the Dutch top flight when he celebrated that feat in the 11 August 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen. The teenager has also recently netted for PSV in the Champions League qualifiers.