Alex Scott leaves England camp as Bournemouth fear two-month injury blow | OneFootball

Alex Scott has left the England camp and returned to Bournemouth with an injury picked up in Saturday's 7-0 win over Croatia, with fears the midfielder could be sidelined for up to two months.

The 23-year-old made his first senior international start in Rijeka and was withdrawn after 70 minutes, replaced by James Garner. It was only his second appearance for the senior side, after coming off the bench in last week's win over Czech Republic.

According toThe Athletic and David Ornstein, Scott has a quadriceps injury, with checks ongoing amid fears of a two-month absence.

Scott asked to come off in the second half after feeling pain and has already had a scan to identify the issue. He will now undergo further assessment at Bournemouth to establish the full extent of the damage.

A cruel end to a breakthrough night

The timing is especially harsh. Scott impressed on his full debut and drew praise from head coach Thomas Tuchel, linking up well with Elliot Anderson, his teammate in the England side that won the Under-21 European Championship in 2025. Tuchel said Scott's showing has added healthy competition for Arsenal's Declan Rice.

"We need performances like this,”the German said. “This is just the nature of it. We will not survive on two central midfielders. The more the better – and it’s always about the guys who are in camp.

“Declan knows about his importance, and he’s one of the very best midfielders in Europe. Nothing will change that. But it’s exactly what we need. We need more, more, more, more variety. We need more, more, more options. Then it’s always about the guys who are in camp. Alex was in the highest level.”

Scott has also been central to Bournemouth's start to the season, starting all five of theirPremier League games and contributing a goal and an assist. Since joining from Bristol City in 2023, he has made 95 appearances for the club.

His form has not gone unnoticed. Sky Sports News reported that Manchester City and Chelsea were interested in signing him this summer, but Bournemouth insisted he was not for sale, with two years remaining on his contract. Chelsea saw a £64m offer turned down.

Another blow for Bournemouth

A lengthy absence would deepen Bournemouth's injury problems. Forward Eli Junior Kroupi is already out for between three and four months after undergoing surgery on a foot injury in July.

Marco Rose's side return from the international break with a trip to Chelsea on Saturday, October 10, before opening their Europa League league phase campaign at home to Sturm Graz five days later.