Eli Junior Kroupi returns to Bournemouth training ahead of Manchester United clash
(Courtesy : Getty)
The French youngster was recovering from a long-term injury.
Bournemouth has been handed a massive injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester United this weekend. Exciting forward Eli Junior Kroupi has returned to first-team practice and might be set for his much-anticipated return against the Red Devils.
The 20-year-old has been out since July, when he suffered a metatarsal fracture at the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria. However, Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam has confirmed Kroupi is back exercising with his teammates and might be included in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
“Junior is back into the team training, but not on the UEFA list,” Rose explained. “But maybe we can have him for some minutes in Manchester.”
Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose has also acknowledged the Frenchman’s improvement, fuelling hopes he might make his first appearance of the campaign.
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Eli Junior Kroupi returns to team training
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For now, Eli Junior Kroupi will be out for Thursday’s Europa League clash with AC Milan, having missed the cut for Bournemouth’s European squad while he was on the mend. But his return to full training is a massive boost following early fears he may be out until November.
The France Under-21 international had surgery at the end of July after suffering the injury whilst taking a shot in a training session. He then spent many weeks in rehabilitation before returning to individual training on the grass earlier this month.
Earlier reports in France had said Eli Junior Kroupi had wanted to return for the Manchester United match, but Bournemouth were keen not to force him back. His current improvement implies the club may now be ready to bring him back into the fold gradually.
Eli Junior Kroupi has already established himself as one of the most promising young attackers in the Premier League after an outstanding debut campaign in England.
Last season, the former Lorient striker netted 13 league goals to finish as Bournemouth’s top scorer and has been the subject of attention from many of Europe’s major teams.
What injury did Eli Junior Kroupi suffer?
Eli Junior Kroupi suffered a metatarsal fracture during Bournemouth’s pre-season training camp in Austria in July and underwent surgery later that month.
Will Eli Junior Kroupi play against Manchester United?
Junior Kroupi could feature against Manchester United at Old Trafford, with Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose suggesting he may get some minutes.
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