Bournemouth have suffered a significant injury blow after Alex Scott was ruled out for six to eight weeks with a thigh problem sustained during the international break.
The 23-year-old has withdrawn from the England squad and will miss Tuesday’s Nations League meeting with the Czech Republic at Wembley. Scott had felt discomfort before Saturday’s 7-0 win over Croatia but went on to play 70 minutes alongside Elliot Anderson in central midfield.
It was Scott’s first start for England and followed his senior debut in the 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague four days earlier.
Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for the Bournemouth midfielder after his performance against Croatia, describing him as the “complete package” and highlighting his composure in possession, decision-making and work rate.
Scott’s injury is particularly damaging for Bournemouth given a demanding run of fixtures following the international break. Marco Rose’s side are scheduled to play nine times between 10 October and 8 November across three competitions.
Alex Scott ruled out for up to eight weeks with thigh injury
The Cherries return to Premier League action at Chelsea on Saturday before facing Sunderland, Manchester United, Leeds and Ipswich ahead of the November international break. Their European schedule includes Europa League meetings with Sturm Graz, AC Milan and Sparta Prague, while Aston Villa await in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Scott will now join Eli Junior Kroupi on the sidelines, with the French forward yet to return from the foot injury he suffered during pre-season.
His absence also comes after an encouraging start to his senior England career. Tuchel handed Scott his debut against the Czech Republic before promoting him to the starting XI against Croatia, where the midfielder impressed before being replaced with 20 minutes remaining.
Bournemouth will now hope Scott can return towards the earlier end of the six-to-eight-week timeframe as they attempt to climb from 17th in the Premier League.
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