Bournemouth lament injury as Tuchel explains England’s fitness issues

Premier League side Bournemouth are unhappy with the way England handled midfielder Alex Scott’s thigh injury, with the 23-year-old now expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

Scott felt discomfort before England’s 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia on Saturday but went on to play 70 minutes alongside Elliot Anderson in central midfield. 

He has since withdrawn from the squad ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with the Czech Republic.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said the situation was unusual, insisting there had been no indication that Scott was at significant risk. 

Tuchel explained that Scott had trained fully, completed additional work and received medical treatment before the Croatia match, while the midfielder did not ask to be substituted despite experiencing some discomfort during the game.

“I’m very sad about it. He trained in full before Croatia and did extra work after the training sessions; and we knew he was in treatment,, but we only had the green lights from him and the medics. When we were aware there was slight discomfort during the match and asked if he wanted to come off, he said no. After the match, he said he could have played 90 minutes and didn’t feel an injury. Tuchel said 

However, sources say Bournemouth are frustrated because England knew Scott had been managing a thigh problem. 

The midfielder is now expected to miss around nine matches for his club between 10 October and 8 November, including Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup fixtures.

Scott has impressed since making his England debut against the Czech Republic, earning praise from Tuchel for his confidence, decision-making, mobility and work rate. 

He made his full debut four days later against Croatia and has quickly become part of the manager’s plans.

Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa has also left the England camp as a precaution after suffering a quad problem. 

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are 17th in the Premier League and have yet to win after five matches, with their next league game coming away to Chelsea on Saturday.