Junior Kroupi
BOU
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Jun 23, 2006 (20)
Right
5'10"
154 lb
Returns to squad after injury
Kroupi (foot) has been named among Bournemouth's substitutes for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United, marking his first inclusion in a matchday squad this season.
Analysis: Kroupi returns to contention after spending nearly three months on the sidelines with a foot injury sustained during preseason that required surgery. The 20-year-old forward has recovered ahead of schedule and could make his first appearance of the campaign against Manchester United, although his minutes are expected to be carefully managed. Kroupi finished last season as Bournemouth's leading scorer with 13 goals in 21 starts, and his return provides the club with an additional attacking option as he gradually works toward full match fitness.
Set for season debut
Kroupi is set to make his first appearance of the season during Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United after recovering from a foot injury sustained in late July, according to coach Marco Rose, per BBC. "The plan is to take him with us to Manchester and give him some minutes."
Analysis: Kroupi is finally ready to return to competitive action after spending nearly three months on the sidelines with a foot injury sustained during Bournemouth's preseason training camp in Austria. The 20-year-old forward required surgery and was initially expected to remain unavailable until November, but his recovery has progressed ahead of schedule, allowing him to resume full team training. Although he missed Thursday's Europa League victory over AC Milan due to his omission from Bournemouth's UEFA squad list, coach Rose has now confirmed plans to include him in Sunday's traveling squad against Manchester United and give him some playing time. The coach also praised Kroupi's attitude and impact in training, highlighting the attacking quality he brings to the team. Having finished last season as Bournemouth's leading scorer with 13 goals in 21 starts, the Frenchman could provide a significant boost to the club's attack. However, his minutes will likely be carefully managed initially as he works toward regaining full match fitness.
Could make season debut Sunday
Kroupi (foot) has resumed full team training and could make his season debut against Manchester United on Sunday, although he remains unavailable for Thursday's Europa League clash against AC Milan, according to coach Marco Rose, per Bournemouth Echo. "Junior is back into the team training, but not on the UEFA list. But maybe we can have him for some minutes in Manchester."
Analysis: Kroupi is closing in on his first appearance of the season after recovering from a foot injury that required surgery during Bournemouth's preseason training camp in Austria. The French forward has returned to full team training ahead of schedule, having initially been expected to remain sidelined until November. Although he is ineligible to face AC Milan because he was omitted from Bournemouth's UEFA squad list, he could receive limited minutes against Manchester United on Sunday as he works his way back to full match fitness. Kroupi scored 13 goals in 21 starts last season and could provide Bournemouth with an important attacking boost once fully available.
Back on grass but remains sidelined
Kroupi (foot) has resumed training on the pitch but remains unavailable for Thursday's Europa League clash against Sturm Graz, according to coach Marco Rose, per Bournemouth Echo. "Junior is back on the pitch. So maybe in a few weeks we have him as well. And it's quite important for us to have this kind of players. They can make the difference. But tomorrow we play without him."
Analysis: Kroupi continues to make progress in his recovery from a foot injury, having recently increased his workload and resumed individual training on the grass. The forward has yet to make his first appearance of the 2026/27 season, and manager Marco Rose's latest comments suggest he could remain sidelined for several more weeks. Kroupi scored 13 goals in 21 starts last season and could gradually work his way back into Bournemouth's attacking rotation once fully fit.
Could be back in late October
Kroupi (foot) has increased his workload and trained on grass since Saturday, aiming to return in an Oct. 25 visit to Manchester United, per Hugo Delom of L'Equipe.
Analysis: Kroupi has progressed faster than expected in his recovery but remains out for a few more weeks, having yet to make his 2026/27 season debut. If he avoids any setback, the forward will likely be re-introduced carefully into the rotation with Evanilson and Ryan Christie at striker and attacking midfield roles, respectively.
Targeting early November return
Kroupi (foot) is expected to return around the beginning of November as he continues his recovery from surgery, according to coach Marco Rose, per Sky Sports News. "We expect Junior back, yeah, the beginning of November, maybe."
Analysis: Kroupi underwent foot surgery during preseason and was initially handed a three-to-four-month recovery timeline, putting him on track to miss a significant portion of the opening months of the campaign. Manager Marco Rose's latest update provides a more concrete target, with the forward now expected back around the beginning of November. Kroupi is coming off a breakout campaign in which he scored 13 goals in 21 starts, and he should have an opportunity to reclaim a prominent attacking role once he has rebuilt his match fitness.
Out three to four months
Kroupi is expected to be out for three to four months after undergoing foot surgery Wednesday, David Ornstein reports.
Analysis: Kroupi's foot surgery is a huge blow given the breakout season he had, one in which he established himself in the starting lineup and scored 13 goals in 21 starts as Bournemouth finished sixth and secured Europa League football, drawing links to several clubs along the way. The three-to-four-month timeline will keep him out for a significant chunk of the new season, and until he returns, Justin Kluivert is likely to continue in his place.
Misses friendly due to fatigue
Kroupi didn't play in Friday's friendly against St. Pauli due to "fatigue," manager Marco Rose told Alexander Smith of The Bournemouth Echo.
Analysis: Rose revealed that both Kroupi and David Brooks haven't trained enough to be available for this match. However, the idea would be to have both players ready to go when the Cherries take on Augsburg on July 30 in their next friendly.
Ends City's title hopes
Kroupi scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 1-1 draw versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Kroupi continued his amazing breakout and debut season in the Premier League Tuesday, netting a first-half curler to put City behind and eventually end their title run. This adds on to a solid run of play, scoring in five of the club's past seven games. He is now up to 13 goals in 32 appearances (20 starts) this season, set to lead the attack heading into the next campaign.
Nets from penalty spot
Kroupi scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Kroupi earned the second goal of Sunday's match as he scored from the penalty spot, finding the back of the net in the 32nd minute. This comes as a second straight match with a goal for him, now with four in his past five appearances. The forward is up 12 goals in 30 appearances this season, showing solid form to end the campaign.
Scores Wednesday
Kroupi scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Leeds United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 25th minute.
Analysis: Kroupi scored a crucial goal for the draw during Wednesday's clash. The striker only took a single shot, but he made the absolute most of the chance, scoring his shot and earning the draw. He also created a pair of chances, another good indicator of his continued progression in the Premier League.
Scores opening goal
Junior Kroupi scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 win over Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 79th minute.
Analysis: Kroupi got the start in Saturday's match and was immediately impactful with Bournemouth's first goal. The forward is likely to remain in the starting lineup against Newcastle, a team which has allowed 45 goals in 31 EPL games so far.
Converts a penalty
Kroupi scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Friday's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
Analysis: Kroupi came off the bench in the 73rd minute of Friday's 2-2 draw against Manchester United, scoring the equalizer from the penalty spot to end his six match run without a goal contribution. The Frenchman continues to impress in his first Premier League season, having recorded nine goals in 26 appearances.
Scores opener in 2-0 win
Junior Kroupi scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Junior Kroupi scored his eighth goal of the Premier League season and his third in the last five Premier League games. He took two shots in the game and also created a chance, making it four games in the last five where he has created a chance. This was the sixth Premier League game this season that he has taken two shots.
Scores in Wednesday's win
Eli Kroupi scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Kroupi scored another goal Wednesday, a close-range strike in the 36th minute assisted by Marcos Senesi. It marked his seventh goal of the season, three of which have come in his last five appearances. Kroupi has been very productive this season despite his inconsistent playing time, averaging one goal for every 82 minutes he's played this season.
Scores stunning goal
Eli Kroupi scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-2 loss versus Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 80th minute.
Analysis: The forward made an immediate impact off the bench, with his powerful and well-placed long shot beating David Raya to create some late drama. Kroupi might be called on off the bench again given his effort and he's got a decent matchup against Tottenham. Spurs have allowed 23 goals in 19 matches and have been volatile in their form.
Scores off the bench
Eli Kroupi scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 4-4 draw against Manchester United.
Analysis: Kroupi came off the bench in Monday's match against Manchester United and scored the equalizer with a composed finish after entering in the 78th minute. The Frenchman had earned several starts during Evanilson's calf injury but has since returned to a reserve role following his teammate's comeback, with his long-term role still to be defined. For now, he is mainly used as an impact substitute, having started five of his 12 Premier League appearances this season while scoring five goals.
Offside goal in loss to City
Kroupi recorded two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Analysis: Kroupi had a goal ruled offside Sunday inside the opening minute, and forced a save from the keeper just after half-time with his only shot on target. Outside of that his impact was limited, making just 13 touches and five completed passes. The 19-year-old's impressive EPL debut season has seen him find the net three times in the Cherries last two matches, which earned him this game's starting striker spot over a fit Evanilson. It's unclear whether he will remain a starter going forward, but he will make frequent appearances and inevitably build on his current tally of four goals.
Fourth goal in three matches
Kroupi scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Kroupi sealed the result for AFC Bournemouth Sunday with a superb strike from around 25 yards, giving him his fourth goal of the season and marking his third consecutive match finding the net. He also had another attempt blocked and was subbed after 69 minutes. The young striker has been getting starts while Evanilson recovers from a calf injury. The Brazilian is expected back imminently when Kroupi will likely be relegated back to the bench, but his sensational form will put pressure on the regular starter to maintain his spot.
Bags two in first EPL start
Kroupi scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Kroupi got his first EPL start Saturday replacing the injured Evanilson as the Cherries lead striker. He delivered a standout performance, bagging a brace of goals before half‑time. The 19-year-old is in sharp form, he scored twice for the French U21 team last week and found the net in his last Cherries appearance at the end of September. It is unlikely he will replace Evanilson as a regular starter but will likely join matches frequently from the bench with impactful outcomes.
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