Double injury blow for Bournemouth ahead of Arsenal visit
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AFC Bournemouth could be heading into the game against Arsenal at Dean Court on Saturday without two of their key players.
Lloyd Kelly is expected to be ruled out until after the October international break due to another calf problem, meaning that the 24-year-old centre-back will miss the upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Everton.
Thankfully Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola has a like-for-like replacement for the former captain in the form of Argentina international Marcos Senesi. However, one additional injury or suspension at the back will leave AFC Bournemouth short of numbers with Chris Mepham also likely to miss both the Arsenal and Everton games through injury.
Discussing Kelly, Iraola told the Daily Echo…
“…it is frustrating because he was amazing in the last two games, He played so good against Chelsea and he played so good the other day (at Brighton), and now again to have this, I don’t think it’s going to be a long thing, but another stop and you have to reset again.
“Especially for him, I think it’s not easy, because he was feeling well, he played two very good games.
“But it is a chance also for other players to step up and make their point to keep starting.”
Another potential big blow for AFC Bournemouth could be the loss of top goalscorer Dominic Solanke.
The 26-year-old has impressed during the early part of the season, scoring 4 goals and claiming 1 assist in 8 appearances.
On Wednesday night in the Football League Cup, Solanke was initially rested and was named amongst the substitutes, but due to a lacklustre 45 minutes he was introduced at half-time, he scored within 6 minutes of being introduced but was unable to complete the half due to taking a knock to the ankle.
Iraola told the Daily Echo…
“…We’ll see how he presents, if the ankle is swollen or not.
“But we have a very tight schedule, not even three days. It’s going to be tough.”
“He tried to continue (against Stoke), but he felt pain in the ankle.
“I think we will have more news, depending how he comes, if it’s swollen or not.
“But we don’t know right now.”
Your say…
afcdibby said…
Moore was on the bench against Stoke City in the EFL Cup and came on.
If Kelly and Solanke are missing this Saturday, I reckon Moore will at least be on the bench. – To join the conversation, click here.