Bournemouth (England), Aug 15 (AP) Justin Kluivert and Ryan Christie are set to be absent from Bournemouth's opening Premier League fixture against reigning champions Liverpool, as confirmed by manager Andoni Iraola on Thursday.
Kluivert, the standout scorer for the Cherries last season, has been sidelined from preseason matches due to a calf injury. “Justin hasn't been training with us, so he's out," Iraola stated in anticipation of Friday's clash at Anfield.
The Dutch forward racked up 12 goals in the league and 13 in total throughout the last campaign. Christie, the 30-year-old Scottish midfielder, has been actively involved in training as he recovers from a groin injury.
“But I think it's too early for him because he hasn't done any preseason,” Iraola added.
Diakité to make debut?
Center back Bafodé Diakité, a recent addition to Bournemouth from Lille, may not feature against Liverpool, according to Iraola. “He is physically definitely ready, he has done a complete preseason with Lille. It's a matter now of getting all the concepts quickly,” Iraola expressed.
Bournemouth has reshuffled their defensive lineup extensively, selling key players like center backs Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi, left back Milos Kerkez, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. This transfer activity generated approximately $200 million, with Kerkez transferring to Liverpool.
“In the end, you are playing the champions in the first day of the season, away. It doesn't get more difficult for this,” Iraola acknowledged.
The future of winger Dango Ouattara, who is rumored to be moving to Brentford, remains uncertain. “It's true that I don't know what's going to happen,” stated Iraola. “We are going day by day. I will ask the club if he can play tomorrow, and if he can travel.” (AP)
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)