Premier League Injury Crisis Ahead of Vital Clash
A significant injury crisis is affecting both teams ahead of this weekend's Premier League encounter between AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa. With a total of twelve players definitively ruled out and two major doubts, both managers face considerable selection headaches as they prepare their squads for this crucial fixture.
Bournemouth's Extensive Treatment Room List
Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth side are currently grappling with a substantial injury list that threatens to disrupt their tactical plans. The Cherries will be without eight first-team players for the visit of Villa, creating significant challenges in squad depth and available options.
The confirmed absentees for Bournemouth include:
- Justin Kluivert (knee injury, out for months)
- Marcus Tavernier
- Ben Gannon-Doak (thigh/hamstring issue)
- Tyler Adams
- David Brooks
- Will Dennis
- Julio Soler
- Matai Akinmboni
The situation surrounding winger Justin Kluivert appears particularly concerning. Manager Iraola confirmed the Dutch international requires surgery, stating: "He will have surgery Thursday, and depending on what they decide to do, that will determine the return timeline. It will be months - it can be more or less, depending on how they approach the surgery. But yes, definitely very bad news."
Former Liverpool youngster Ben Gannon-Doak also faces an extended period on the sidelines with a serious hamstring injury that may require surgical intervention, further depleting Bournemouth's attacking resources.
Aston Villa's Midfield and Defensive Concerns
Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who currently sit third in the Premier League table after twenty-four matches, have their own considerable injury problems to navigate. The Midlands club will be missing four key players through injury, with additional concerns over two more ahead of their trip to the South Coast.
Villa's confirmed injury absentees are:
- Boubakar Kamara (season-ending injury)
- Youri Tielemans (approximately eight weeks)
- John McGinn (approximately eight weeks)
- Andres Garcia (hamstring, three weeks)
The loss of midfielder Boubakar Kamara for the remainder of the campaign represents a particularly severe blow to Villa's midfield structure. However, his absence may provide opportunities for other squad members like Lamare Bogarde to demonstrate their capabilities in the engine room.
Regarding defender Andres Garcia's hamstring issue, manager Unai Emery provided a clear update: "Andres Garcia is out for three weeks. He has a hamstring injury, a small injury."
Late Fitness Tests for Key Attacking Duo
Beyond the confirmed absences, Aston Villa face uncertainty over the availability of two crucial attacking players. Striker Ollie Watkins, who missed the recent 1-0 defeat to Brentford with a thigh problem, remains a doubt for the Bournemouth fixture.
Emery offered this assessment of Watkins' condition: "Watkins, we will see tomorrow. Today he had a scan, and it's not a clear injury... He was tired yesterday, and the scan is not giving us bad information."
Additionally, new signing Allyson, who arrived from Gremio during the January transfer window, is still building match fitness following his winter move and may not be ready to start against Bournemouth.
This extensive injury situation for both clubs adds an intriguing layer of complexity to what promises to be a compelling Premier League encounter, with squad depth and managerial adaptability likely to prove decisive factors in the outcome.
