Bournemouth’s Alex Scott Faces Up to Five Weeks Out With Muscle Injury

Bournemouth will be without Scott for an estimated four to five weeks after the midfielder suffered a muscle injury while on England duty, leaving Rose short of a player who has made a fast start to the season.

Rose said a scan was planned in the coming days to establish the full extent of the problem. “I’m not a doctor,” he said, but confirmed that Scott is expected to miss around a month, describing the setback as a major blow.

Quick facts

• Scott is expected to be sidelined for four to five weeks with a muscle injury.
• He has played six of Bournemouth’s seven matches in all competitions, scoring once and providing two assists.
• England beat Croatia 7-0, with Scott completing 70 minutes.
• Bournemouth have drawn three and lost two of their first five Premier League games.
• Rose’s side host Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

The injury occurred during an international period in which England played four UEFA Nations League matches. Rose did not direct blame towards the national side, stressing that Bournemouth are pleased Scott is involved with England and that he had performed well for his country.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said neither Scott nor the medical staff had raised a fitness concern before the Croatia match. Tuchel maintained that the FA had not exposed the player to an unnecessary risk and said player welfare remains the overriding consideration.

Tuchel said he understood Bournemouth’s frustration and was sorry that Rose would be deprived of a player capable of contributing goals. He added that he had been in contact with Scott, rather than directly with the club.

Scott’s absence arrives during a difficult opening phase for Bournemouth. They are one of three Premier League teams still waiting for a first league victory, having taken three points from their opening five fixtures through three draws.

Their latest league result was a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium. In each of the other four matches, Bournemouth held a lead at some point but were unable to turn that position into a win, instead drawing or losing.

There has nevertheless been evidence of the side’s potential in Europe. Bournemouth secured a 2-1 Europa League win away to Real Sociedad, a result that offered encouragement amid their domestic difficulties.

Rose must now reshape his midfield options for Chelsea’s visit on Saturday, with Scott set to miss a demanding stretch of Premier League and European fixtures.