Alex Scott faces two months out after injury on full England debut
Alex Scott could be out for two months after injuring his thigh on his full England debut. The 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder was hurt in Saturday's 7-0 Nations League win against Croatia in Rijeka. He will play no further part in this international break. The Guardian
Scott felt discomfort before kick-off and played through pain. He lasted until the 70th minute before James Garner replaced him. He underwent tests on his thigh on Sunday.
It capped a heavy week for the young midfielder. He had made his debut off the bench in the win over Czechia in Prague the previous week. He then chose to stay with the squad after the recent death of his grandfather.
Bournemouth are unhappy with England's handling of the player. Thomas Tuchel rejected any suggestion of a gamble. He said England took zero risk and that he has a 100% clear conscience over the selection. The Guardian
Tuchel said Scott trained in full before the Croatia game. There were only green lights from the player and the medical staff. He added that Scott felt slight discomfort during the match but did not want to come off. TSN
The injury adds to a growing list. Ezri Konsa also withdrew from the camp with a quad injury, damage to the muscle at the front of the thigh. Nico O'Reilly pulled out and was replaced by Rico Lewis. Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo had already withdrawn at the start of the camp.
England host Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday in the fourth and final game of the camp. England Football The Nations League, UEFA's competition for national teams, continues next month with England's final two Group A3 games against Croatia and Spain. Harry Kane is poised to win his 125th cap against Czechia, a cap meaning an international appearance, which would equal the England men's record.
For fans, this is the hard side of international football. One night gives a young player the start he dreamed about as a boy; the next brings scans and rehab during an international break, the window when league football pauses for national-team games. Two months on the sidelines would be a long wait after such a short taste. If there is comfort, it is this: he knows now he belongs at this level, and England know it too.
