Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson is out of Euro 2024 after suffering a serious knee injury.

Bologna confirmed their captain had suffered cruciate ligament damage, an injury which is likely to keep him on the sidelines for the bulk if not all of the remainder of 2024.

A statement from the Serie A club read: “Lewis Ferguson today underwent a medical examination which revealed that he has sustained an injury to his cruciate ligament.

“He will undergo an operation, after which his recovery time will be assessed.”

The 24-year-old went off injured during his side’s goalless draw with Monza on Sunday, which kept them in fourth place and on course for a Champions League spot.

The former Hamilton and Aberdeen player has been a crucial part of their impressive season and had been linked with summer moves to the likes of Juventus and Napoli in recent months.

Ferguson is yet to start a competitive game for his country and 10 of his 12 caps have been won from the bench, but his form had been putting him well in contention to feature heavily during this summer’s tournament in Germany.

The midfielder vowed to return stronger despite the huge blow ahead of what was gearing up to be the most important few months of his career so far.

Writing on social media, he said: “Devastated but the road to recovery starts now and I will be back better than ever!! Time to rest up and support the boys for a big end to the season. Forza @Bolognafc1909.”

Ferguson has started all but one of Bologna’s 32 Serie A games this season, scoring six goals. He was suspended for the other. His 13-goal total in the Italian top flight makes him the highest-scoring Scot in Serie A history.

The news will also rule out a potential major sell-on fee for Aberdeen this summer, but Ferguson’s contract runs until 2027.