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Scotland, who will take part in their first World Cup since 1998 later this summer, have suffered a huge injury blow with Napoli star Billy Gilmour ruled out of the tournament.
The former Chelsea midfielder sustained a knee injury during Saturday’s friendly win over Curacao and will play no part in North America, leaving Clarke with a race against time to name a replacement.
All 48 nations competing at the 2026 World Cup must name their final 26-man squads no later than Monday, June 1, with FIFA then officially confirm final squads a day later on Tuesday, June 2.
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Clarke has said he is devastated for Gilmour but raised the prospect of Fletcher being drafted in after heaping praise on the Man Utd teenager.
"I've got Connor Barron, Andy Irving, Lennon Miller, and you see for yourself how good young Tyler is,” Clarke said.
"The three that I mentioned are on standby. Obviously, Tyler joined us this week. He's trained well this week, so he's a little bit closer than the other three, but I'd need to have a big discussion with my staff and decide the best way to go.
"I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign. The timing of this injury is so, so cruel, and we all feel for him," Clarke said.
"He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person, and while no words will give him any comfort, I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future."
Jack Fletcher could be named in Scotland’s final 26-man World Cup squad
Fletcher, the son of Man United manager, Darren, and twin brother of Tyler, made three senior appearances for the club during the 2025-26 season.
While Fletcher has played youth international football for England at under-15, under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels, he has decided to represent Scotland at senior level and wants to beat his dad tally of 80 caps for the national team.