Is Andoni Iraola, the head coach of AFC Bournemouth, set to get some positive news about the injury front?
Possibly “scheduled to be available for selection towards the end of this month” is Alex Scott, the £20 million summer acquisition. According to a story on the former Bristol City player in the Bristol Post.
Before signing the England Under-20 international, Scott, the Cherries were said to have been interested in him for at least nine months.
Bristol City have reportedly turned down a number of approaches from the Cherries. Nevertheless, even though Scott injured his knee during the preseason, the transfer was finally finished in the summer.
According to the local newspaper’s report on Scott’s BBC interview,
“…luckily, the relocation took place ultimately.
“Of course, I also learned the news about my knee, which didn’t help with the overall situation, but as soon as the move had been completed, I was just so thrilled and it felt like a lot of weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I could then relax a little more and come to a new place, get to know the guys, and get to know the city. I’ve been here a month and every week I just get more and more in love with it.
During his adolescent years, the 19-year-old played for Southampton and the Cherries before deciding to stay on the Channel Islands.
He left Guernsey again at age 16 to join Bristol City, and it didn’t take long for him to make his first team debut at age 17 in the Championship.
For the Ashton Gate team, he has since made 91 appearances across all competitions. He has also made 16 appearances for England at the under-18, under-19, and under-20 levels, including three at the most recent under-20 World Cup.
If Scott is indeed expected to be available for selection towards the end of this month, then he may be in contention for the home game against recently promoted Burnley, if not a week earlier against former AFC Bournemouth head coach Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers. Scott is still waiting to make his Premier League debut, but it sounds like it could be getting closer.
Scott explained why his AFC Bournemouth career was delayed by saying…
“…Being hurt is the hardest, but you have to see it as a means to develop other aspects of your personality. I’ve been crushing the gym and strengthening myself because I’ve never had an injury last more than a week or two.
“Fortunately, I’m back on the pitches now and working with the ball, which helps make it a little bit easier. The process of getting back in shape is almost complete, and I can’t wait to get started and show everyone how good I can be.
For what it’s worth, I honestly believe that his injury is a godsend in many respects since it gives the young man time to adjust to his new home and team in the Premier League before he focuses on his game.
Additionally, it allows him to attend all team briefings and match day preparations without feeling any genuine pressure to perform as he watches his colleagues in training and games to learn about their characteristics and playing styles.
He is devastated and will be furious, but it might well be for the best.
