AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that Junior Kroupi underwent successful surgery after suffering a foot injury during a pre-season training session in Austria.
The club has not published an exact return date. It has only confirmed that the 20-year-old will face a spell on the sidelines and begin rehabilitation.
That makes Kroupi unavailable for Gameweek 1 planning and removes a £7.5m midfielder who scored 13 Premier League goals last season.
What Kroupi's injury changes
Kroupi frequently played as a number 10 behind Evanilson in 2025/26.
His absence opens attacking minutes rather than guaranteeing one direct replacement.
Kluivert remains one of Bournemouth's most flexible attackers.
He can play from the left, as a number 10 or close to the striker. He also has previous penalty involvement.
Kroupi's absence can improve his route to a central role, but his availability and pre-season minutes must be checked.
OneFPL verdict: Strong watchlist option when fit and starting centrally.
Alex Scott: tactical winner rather than immediate FPL pick
Scott may receive more responsibility in midfield.
His creativity can help replace Kroupi's link play, but he is not automatically a like-for-like Fantasy replacement. Marco Rose may use him as a deeper number eight.
OneFPL verdict: Important for Bournemouth, but role must become more attacking before selection.
Evanilson: the clearest forward
Evanilson remains Bournemouth's established central striker and costs £6.0m.
Kroupi's injury can lead to:
More attacks ending with Evanilson
Greater creative responsibility from Tavernier and Rayan
More secure central-forward minutes
Possible changes to penalty responsibility
The opening schedule is the problem. Bournemouth begin at Manchester City and have a difficult early run.
Kroupi was listed among Bournemouth's possible penalty takers.
The current hierarchy must be confirmed through friendlies.
Set piece
Leading candidates
Penalties
Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier, Evanilson and other confirmed starters
Direct free kicks
Tavernier, Kluivert and Enes Unal when available
Corners
Tavernier, Alex Scott, Kluivert, Lewis Cook and David Brooks
Indirect free kicks
Tavernier and Alex Scott
Do not assume one friendly penalty permanently settles the order.
Formation possibilities
4-2-3-1
Rayan and another winger support a number 10 behind Evanilson.
This shape gives Tavernier, Kluivert or Scott the clearest route to Kroupi's central role.
4-2-2-2
Two narrow attacking midfielders support two forwards.
This could bring Rayan closer to goal and create minutes for Alvaro Rodriguez or Enes Unal.
4-3-3
Three central midfielders support two wingers and Evanilson.
This may reduce the direct value of the number 10 replacement.
Best Bournemouth option by objective
Objective
Player
Highest upside
Rayan
Safest current attacker
Evanilson
Set-piece potential
Tavernier
Central-role watch
Kluivert
Budget flexibility
Evanilson at £6.0m
Avoid for now
Kroupi
OneFPL verdict
Kroupi should be removed from every opening draft.
Rayan is the most exciting beneficiary, Tavernier may receive additional creative and set-piece responsibility, and Evanilson offers the safest central role.
However, Bournemouth's Gameweek 1 trip to Manchester City means managers can monitor the new structure rather than forcing a replacement into the opening team.
Use the OneFPL Planner to prepare a later transfer when Bournemouth's fixtures improve.
FAQ
How long is Kroupi out?
Bournemouth have not announced an exact return date. They have confirmed surgery and a spell on the sidelines.
Who directly replaces Kroupi?
There is no confirmed direct replacement. Tavernier, Kluivert, Scott and Rayan could share the central attacking responsibility.
Is Rayan the best Bournemouth FPL pick?
He has the highest attacking upside, while Evanilson currently offers the clearer central role.
Should I own a Bournemouth attacker in Gameweek 1?
It is not necessary because they start away to Manchester City.
OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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