England head coach Thomas Tuchel has defended the decision to field Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott despite the player carrying a pre-existing muscle issue, following Scott's withdrawal from international duty due to a thigh injury that could sideline him for up to two months. The injury has provoked frustration from Bournemouth, who face the prospect of losing one of their key players during a crucial stage of the Premier League season and in their Europa League campaign.

Scott made his full senior England debut against Croatia on Saturday in the Nations League, playing 70 minutes during a 7-0 victory. He had previously earned his first cap as a substitute in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic the previous week. Reports suggest that Bournemouth were aware of Scott’s muscular discomfort before the Croatia game but that the midfielder was eager to represent his country. Despite feeling slight discomfort throughout the match, Scott declined an opportunity to be substituted earlier and insisted after the game that he could have completed the full 90 minutes.

Tuchel emphasized that England’s medical and coaching staff followed standard protocols and that there was no apparent risk in playing Scott. “He trained fully before the Croatia game, did extra work after training sessions, and was playing after receiving green lights from himself and the medical team,” Tuchel said. He acknowledged the situation was unfortunate but maintained his “conscience is clear” and that England took “zero risk” with Scott’s fitness. The England coach also noted a “totally open process” of communication with Bournemouth’s medical staff throughout the camp.

Bournemouth sources expressed disappointment, describing the situation as “gutted,” especially as Scott's absence is expected to last for around 12 matches. The 23-year-old midfielder’s withdrawal will also rule him out of upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain. The club, struggling for their first Premier League win this season, will face challenges in managing their squad without Scott.

In addition to Scott, Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa left the England squad with a quadriceps injury described by Tuchel as minor but still one not worth risking in the schedule ahead. England’s squad has also been affected by the absence of other key players such as Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane due to suspension and injury, respectively.

Tuchel acknowledged the physical toll that the extended international schedule places on players following the recent expanded World Cup format. With several fitness concerns ongoing, the coach indicated he would carefully manage his resources as England aim to secure qualification from Nations League Group A3. The team sits second in the group, with the next matches critical in determining progression to the quarter-finals in March.