Alex Scott has withdrawn from England’s Nations League squad due to an injury picked up against Croatia, angering parent club Bournemouth.
The 23-year-old midfielder suffered a tendon problem during the Three Lions’ 7-0 win in Rijeka, with initial reports suggesting he could be sidelined for several weeks.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has since claimed there were no signs of injury before Saturday’s game.
Tuchel surprised by injury
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the match against Czechia on Tuesday, Tuchel said: “With Alex, it’s a strange one. I’m very sad about it.
“He trained in both sessions before the [Croatia] match. He did extra work after the training sessions. We knew he was in treatment but we only got green lights from him and the medics.
“When we were aware of slight discomfort during the match, we asked if he wanted to come off. He said no.
“Afterwards, he said it was the right decision but he could’ve played the full 90. He didn’t feel an injury. Even on the plane [to London] before we did the scan.
“It is a strange one because it does not match the objectivity of the scan and the prediction of the time he is going to miss. There was no awareness of any risk from our side.
“I feel sad for him. We have an exchange all the time and when he went out, even the day after, he didn’t feel injured so, in my mind, he started [against Czechia on Tuesday].”
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German deflects Cherries’ criticism
Asked about Bournemouth’s reported unhappiness over the situation, Tuchel added: “The medical and physical department is in constant contact with all the players who are with us.
“We are sharing information and this is a totally open process.
“I can totally understand that Bournemouth are not happy and sad because they lose a key player, but I can say from the moment we took the decision to let him play, there was absolutely no risk whatsoever apparent to me or our physical staff that we have risk of an injury.
“I have not taken any risks, even if it was a big opportunity for him and we wanted him to start.
“If I had the slightest idea there was a risk, I would not have taken it. I would never do this. It’s a one-off.”
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