Key Player Returns for Crucial Fixtures

Scotland's women's football team receives a significant boost as Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert returns from injury for their upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League double-header against powerhouse Germany. The third-ranked Germans present a formidable challenge as Scotland looks to bounce back from their opening defeats.

Match Details and Context

• First Leg: Friday, 4 April at Tannadice Park, Dundee
• Second Leg: Tuesday, 8 April in Wolfsburg
• Current Standings: Germany leads Group A1 with 4 points, while Scotland seeks their first points

Squad Updates and Selection Decisions

Scotland interim head coach Michael McArdle has made several notable changes:

• Key Returns:
  • Erin Cuthbert (rib injury recovery)
  • Sandy MacIver (goalkeeper, Washington Spirit)
  • Amy Rodgers (midfielder, Bristol City)
• Missing Players:
  • Injured captain Rachel Corsie remains sidelined
  • Experienced players Lisa Evans and Nicola Docherty continue to be overlooked

Scotland's Full Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers:

• Eartha Cumings (Rosengard)
• Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)
• Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit)

Defenders:

• Jenna Clark (Liverpool)
• Leah Eddie (Rangers)
• Sophie Howard (Leicester City)
• Emma Lawton (Celtic)
• Rachel McLauchlan (Brighton)
• Amy Muir (Glasgow City)
• Kirsty Smith (West Ham)

Midfielders:

• Chelsea Cornet (Rangers)
• Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)
• Freya Gregory (Newcastle United)
• Sam Kerr (Liverpool, on loan from Bayern Munich)
• Kirsty MacLean (Rangers)
• Amy Rodgers (Bristol City)
• Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)

Forwards:

• Eilidh Adams (Hibernian)
• Lauren Davidson (SK Brann)
• Claire Emslie (Angel City)
• Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
• Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Emma Watson (Everton, on loan from Manchester United)

Match Preview and Expectations

This double-header presents Scotland with their toughest test yet in the competition. Germany's dominant performances historically make them favorites, but Scotland will look to leverage:

• Home advantage in Dundee
• Boost from Cuthbert's return
• Improved defensive organization

The matches will be crucial for Scotland's hopes of avoiding relegation in the Nations League format.