Tuchel ‘very sad’ about Scott injury but insists he did not take a risk by playing him

Thomas Tuchel says he is “very sad” Alex Scott will miss England’s next game after returning to Bournemouth with an injury.

Scott is facing a spell on the sidelines after withdrawing from the squad but Tuchel insists no risk was taken with his fitness by playing him against Croatia.

“With Alex, it’s a strange one, I’m very sad about it,” Tuchel said.

“He trained in full before Croatia, did extra work after the training sessions, we knew he was in treatment but there were only green lights from him and the medics.

“When we were aware there was slight discomfort during the match and asked if he wanted to come off he said no.

“After the match, he said he could have played 90 minutes and didn’t feel an injury.”

Tuchel revealed Scott still did not believe he was injured before undergoing a scan.

“Even before the scan he didn’t feel injured so it’s a strange one,” he added.

“There was zero risk taken from our side.”

The England boss also admitted Scott had been in line to start the next game against Czechia before the injury ruled him out.

“On a human level, I feel bad that he does not get his next cap tomorrow,” Tuchel said.

“In my mind, he started tomorrow.

“I would not have taken any risk, even if it was a big opportunity for him.

“We wanted him to start but if we had the slightest idea it was a risk [to play him], we would not have taken it. We never do this.”

Tuchel also defended England’s handling of the situation and stressed there is constant communication with players and their clubs.

“We, the medical and physical department, are always in communication with all the players who are with us,” he said.

“We share information, this is a totally open process. I can understand that Bournemouth are not happy because they lose a key player.

“But I can just say that from the moment we took the decision there was absolutely no risk apparent to me or our physical staff.

“It’s a one-off.”