AFC Bournemouth and Wales international defender Chris Mepham has undergone a second operation on his injured knee.
The 22-year-old suffered the injury against Luton Town in the FA Cup in January, he briefly returned following the Premier League suspension for the global Covid-19 pandemic, with a 10-minute appearance during the defeat to Newcastle United, but he suffered a problem with his knee.
The Cherries attempted to treat the injury through injections, but with the problem not clearing it up the decision was taken to go for surgery for the second time in seven months.
With Nathan Ake and Simon Francis also sidelined through injuries, it has left the Cherries limited for options at centre back with Steve Cook partnering Lloyd Kelly with Jack Simpson promoted to the substitutes bench in recent matches.
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told the Daily Echo…
“He had the injection, the injection didn’t help the problem, so he’s gone under the knife.
“We anticipate he will be out for around six weeks. We don’t think it’s too serious – hopefully that’s the problem fixed.”
“It’s very difficult for him because before he picked up the (first) injury against Luton in the FA Cup he was in a really good run of form.
“He was growing in confidence every week and showing everybody how good he could be.
“Then he had that operation which was quite serious. This one I don’t think is as bad but it’s a blow to him.
“But he’s a really positive lad. He’s got a very bright future ahead of him, a long career, so it’s important we try to get this one right for him.”
Your say…
AFCBade wrote…
I do like Mepham – still a bit raw but him and Lloyd Kelly would be a good pairing IF both stay fit. Mepham seems to have had a lot of injuries already. – Join the conversation, click here.
