---
title: "Newcastle winger Ritchie withdraws from Scotland squad"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2017/10/01/newcastle-winger-ritchie-withdraws-scotland-squad/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-10-01T21:18:21Z"
modified: "2017-10-01T21:18:21Z"
---

# Newcastle winger Ritchie withdraws from Scotland squad

Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie has withdrawn from the Scotland squad.

> Twitter: SCOTLAND | Squad Update\
> OUT: Matt Ritchie https://t.co/YwO3h5wRb1 (@ScottishFA)

It’s claimed by [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12017/11063878/newcastle-winger-matt-ritchie-withdraws-from-scotland-squad) that the Magpies man picked up a slight knock in his side’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, prompting concerns over his fitness for Scotland’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Gordon Strachan’s side are looking to push on with their ambitions to compete in Russia next year, as they prepare to battle Slovakia and Slovenia in the international break.

![Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2017/10/538099854.jpg)

The 28-year-old is reported not to have a particularly serious injury, but has been left at home purely based on precautionary measures.

Ritchie has been in good form for Newcastle this season and helped them secure yet another important point against Liverpool. Joselu levelled proceedings after Philippe Coutinho scored a stunning opener for the Reds.

The former Bournemouth man has been highly influential in Newcastle’s opening seven games, and has contributed with four assists already.