The 20-year-old has returned to first-team training after undergoing surgery on a foot injury sustained during Bournemouth’s pre-season camp in Austria in late July. Manager Marco Rose confirmed that Kroupi was in contention for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United, with the plan to give him some minutes if possible.
“We have to take care of him and he needs to take care on his next steps,” Rose said, while describing the forward as a special player with a good attitude.
Kroupi’s return would be a welcome boost for Bournemouth after an absence that has kept him out of the opening months of the campaign. The former Lorient striker made an immediate impression in English football last season, scoring 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
His performances also attracted attention beyond club football. Kroupi is eligible to represent Ivory Coast through his father, who played for the country twice, but he has made clear that his ambition is to play for France.
Speaking to DAZN, Kroupi explained why he sees his international future with Les Bleus.
“I have always played for the France youth teams. I was born in France, I started playing football in France. I can’t see myself going into a culture I don’t know! The France team is the objective,” he said.
Asked whether he had already received a call-up, he replied: “I don’t know at all,” before laughing.
Kroupi’s injury interrupted his momentum after a breakthrough first season in the Premier League. He had become one of Bournemouth’s most productive young players, and his 13-goal return made him a notable attacking option for the club.
The injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period, with Bournemouth initially anticipating an absence of several months. His return to full training is therefore an important step, although Rose has stressed the need to manage his recovery carefully.
The immediate priority is to regain match fitness and re-establish himself in the side. If he can return without complications, Kroupi will have the opportunity to build on the promise he showed last season.
His international ambition is also clear. Having represented France at youth level, he wants to progress to the senior team rather than switch allegiance to Ivory Coast. A sustained run of performances for Bournemouth would give him the strongest platform to pursue that goal.