Eli Junior Kroupi is back in Bournemouth training and could be in the squad for Saturday's Premier League trip to Manchester United. The 20-year-old French forward has completed his rehabilitation from a metatarsal fracture sustained at a pre-season training camp in Austria last July.
Manager Marco Rose confirmed the positive step. "Junior is back into the team training, but not on the UEFA list," Rose said. He added, "But maybe we can have him for some minutes in Manchester." Kroupi underwent surgery at the end of July and had been working on individual fitness before rejoining the group.
His return provides a timely boost for a Bournemouth side sitting 15th in the Premier League with six points from seven games, having recorded one win, three draws and three losses. The Cherries are on a two-game winning run, having beaten Sturm Graz 3-0 and Sunderland 2-0, and face a Manchester United side just two places above them in 13th on Saturday 25 October. This follows a recent run of three wins and two defeats in their last five league matches. During Kroupi's three-month absence, attacking duties have been shared by Francisco Evanilson and summer signing Álvaro Rodríguez, who have contributed goals in recent wins. Evanilson scored in both of those victories, netting against Sturm Graz and also providing an assist against Sunderland, while Rodríguez scored a penalty in the 3-0 win. The team's top scorer this season is Marcus Tavernier with four goals, though the side has scored nine while conceding thirteen. Bournemouth are currently fifteen points behind the league leaders.
Kroupi, who impressed in his debut campaign, will not be available for Thursday's Europa League match against AC Milan as he was not registered on the club's UEFA squad list. His potential involvement at Old Trafford would mark a significant step in his comeback. The club will hope his return adds further firepower as they look to climb the standings.
The report in full is at Khel Now
