Leeds United’s Halloween hosts Bournemouth could be without star midfielder Alex Scott for two months due to injury.
Scott played 70 minutes of England’s 7-0 Nations League thumping of Croatia on Saturday, his first ever senior international start. But he will not feature against Czechia on Tuesday after an injury forced him to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The midfielder, who was subject to intense summer interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, has returned to Bournemouth for further assessment. But The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported there are fears the 23-year-old could be out for up to two months.
Alex Scott impressed in the win in Croatia (PA)placeholder image
Alex Scott impressed in the win in Croatia (PA)
Even if Scott is sidelined for half that time, a four-week injury would likely see him miss the visit of Leeds. Daniel Farke’s side head to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday October 31.
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Sky Sports also report on the injury concern, adding that initial testing suggests Scott could be missing for ‘several weeks’. They also add that the midfielder suffered a tendon injury during Saturday’s win in Croatia.
Assessments are continuing but any long-term absence would be a huge blow for Bournemouth. Scott has a claim to have been the Cherries’ best player so far this season, starting all five Premier League games and scoring once.
Bournemouth rejected a bid worth £64million from Chelsea for their star midfielder, with reports they value him at more than £80m. The Cherries have also been without young forward Eli Junior Kroupi, who scored a late equaliser at Elland Road last September, all season.
Leeds have three games to focus on before their trip to the Vitality Stadium, travelling to Arsenal and Sunderland either side of a home game against Manchester United. But Bournemouth’s stretched squad will be tested massively this month.
Marco Rose’s side also have three Premier League games against Chelsea, Sunderland and Manchester United. But in addition, they have two Europa League ties against Sturm Graz and AC Milan while also hosting Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup on the Wednesday before facing Leeds.