Ahead of facing Newcastle United, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that they are in a tough spot.
The Cherries ended a run of 11 games without a win when beating Spurs 3-2 on Wednesday night.
However, a very small available squad of Bournemouth players has now ended up even smaller.
Andoni Iraola was already set to be coming to St James’ Park without the likes of Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie, William Dennis and Justin Kluivert.
Now following that Spurs match, the Bournemouth boss has seen star man Antoine Semenyo sold to Manchester City. The talisman having scored ten goals already this season.
Now on Friday, Andoni Iraola admitting that first choice centre-forward Evanilson could be set to miss the Newcastle match as well, the Brazil striker forced off against Spurs and replaced by Enes Unal in that game. However, Iraola saying “some issues” are being assessed on both these forwards, with Unal and Evanilson potentially not involved in the FA Cup third round mach.
Bournemouth are of course travelling to play Newcastle United less than 72 hours after that win over Spurs, making it extra tough for such a small squad of players.
Andoni Iraola admitting on Friday at his press conference: “It is a tricky moment for us, because we are in a delicate situation and in terms of numbers, we have [only] 15 outfield players. We have to choose the combinations very well. to think how we can be competitive.”
Dealing with the “disappointment” of drawing Newcastle United away in the FA Cup third round, Andoni Iraola declaring: “The only chance we have right now…is to play a very, very good game, go ahead somehow [against Newcastle]…and earn the right to be in the next draw.”
