Out since the start of the season with a foot injury, Ivory Coast-born striker Eli Junior Kroupi has returned to collective training with Bournemouth. His return to the squad for the trip to Manchester United remains to be confirmed.
Eli Junior Kroupi has not yet played a single competitive minute this season. Injured in the foot, the young Bournemouth striker has nevertheless returned to collective training, Cherries manager Marco Rose announced on Friday at a press conference, according to The False 9.
The coaching staff plan to include the striker in the squad for the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, where Bournemouth face Manchester United in the Premier League. “That’s the plan, to reintegrate him into the squad,” said Marco Rose, quoted by The False 9. An intention that does not yet guarantee a place on the matchday squad.
A return conditional on two sessions
The last two training sessions will determine whether Kroupi takes a place on the bench on Sunday, The False 9 specifies. The return of the 20-year-old striker to the squad is therefore not guaranteed for the trip.
His foot injury has kept him off the pitch since the start of the 2026/2027 season.
A treatment room still well stocked
Kroupi’s return comes in the context of a depleted squad. Midfielder Alex Tóth injured his hamstring against AC Milan and will be out for several weeks. “Now we’re going to be without him for several weeks. I think it’s a more serious muscle injury,” said Marco Rose, again according to The False 9.
The Cherries’ treatment room already includes Alex Scott and Julián Araujo, ruled out until November. Brazilian striker Evanilson, however, is available despite a knock received in the Europa League, the same source specifies.
A trip to Old Trafford full of confidence
Bournemouth arrive at Old Trafford full of confidence, after a resounding 3-0 win against AC Milan on Thursday, according to The False 9. That victory precedes a crucial duel for both sides in the Premier League, the Manchester Evening News emphasises.
The match is scheduled for Sunday 25 October 2026 at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old striker is being closely monitored by the Ivory Coast national team, who are eyeing his profile to strengthen their attacking options, Foot Africa reports.