Image Credits: Imago Images
Bournemouth and Liverpool face off on Saturday at the Vitality Stadium, and fans could be in for another thrilling encounter. On the opening day of the season, six goals were scored as Liverpool emerged 4-2 winners.
Much has changed since then, including Liverpool’s dramatic title collapse and Antoine Semenyo leaving Bournemouth for Manchester City during the January transfer window.
The Cherries have had an inconsistent season so far and sit 15th in the table, while the Reds are clinging to fourth place. Liverpool have dominated recent meetings, winning all five of the past Premier League encounters with Bournemouth.
However, the Cherries have been hit with a significant injury setback ahead of the game. Marcus Tavernier suffered a hamstring injury at Brighton, with head coach Andoni Iraola describing it as a “massive” loss.
The Englishman was forced off after 71 minutes, adding to Bournemouth’s growing injury list. Tavernier joins Justin Kluivert, Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Enes Unal, and Will Dennis in the treatment room.
David Brooks missed the Brighton game on Monday night with a twisted ankle. Iraola also confirmed that Julio Soler was sidelined for the trip to Sussex due to injury.
Iraola told the Daily Echo: “He felt his hammy. So there is something there. Probably not big in the sense that he was in doubt, but he has something and he’s a player that has had in the past problems with the hammy.
“So he’s a key player for us because he’s very good. He’s making the numbers. He can play as an eight, he can play as a 10, he can play right winger, he can play left winger. To lose him now after losing Antoine [Semenyo to Man City] and after losing Justin is massive, for us it’s massive.”
On Soler, Iraola added: “He’s injured, after the Newcastle game. That was his first start in a while. He got injured in the next proper training. And he will be out for some time, Julio, yes.”
Read more: Mohamed Salah remains Saudi Pro League target
Premier League officially confirm three Liverpool fixtures rescheduled in March
Charlton Athletic officially sign Liverpool defender for season
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.