Whilst on international duty, Bournemouth midfielder and Chelsea target Alex Scott has picked up a quadriceps issue during England's 7-0 win in Croatia on Saturday, which could put him out for six to eight weeks.
This news has left his club, Bournemouth, very unhappy with Thomas Tuchel, after the German risked playing Scott in what was his second England cap, playing 70 minutes in central midfield before being withdrawn after 70 minutes by Manchester City's Elliot Anderson.
In Thomas Tuchel's Monday press conference, he described Scott's injury as "a strange one." He explained that he knew Scott was in treatment before the game in Rijeka, but his medical staff believed the 23-year-old was fit to play.
"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.
Even before the scan he didn't feel injured so it's a strange one. There was zero risk taken from our side."
For some time now, Chelsea have been monitoring Scott's development at the Vitality, for the past 12 to 18 months, but this setback might halt their pursuit of him as it could put him out until the busy festive period, with the ongoing problems with Moises Caicedo, Chelsea are desperate to sign someone to go alongside the Ecuadorian or play in his place when not available.
During the summer transfer window, Chelsea had a £64 million bid rejected by the Cherries, who insisted he was not for sale and would not be available until after January, with two years left on his contract, while Bournemouth were desperate for him to extend his stay.
One thing that could make Chelsea think twice about signing the England international is his injury record, although Scott doesn't pick up many injuries, when he does, he is out for an extended period of time, missing 12 games with a knee injury between April and October 2023, in his early stages at Bournemouth, as well as tearing his meniscus, which put him out for nearly four months a couple seasons ago.
Bournemouth currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, after failing to pick up a win in the league so far this season, and Scott's absence could worsen Bournemouth's worries, with the midfielder being a key part of their side.
Chelsea are their next opponents on October 10, with the Blues in need of a win too after going winless in their last three games before the international break, and without Scott, it could increase Chelsea's chances of moving up the Premier League table, especially with their current midfield troubles.
Xabi Alonso will hope that the group of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, and Reece James will all be available for the game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, especially Caicedo, with the midfielder only playing 14 minutes so far this season, and with Scott missing it could give Chelsea the edge in the midfield battle.
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