The Bournemouth head coach gave a detailed update on his squad in Friday's press conference and admitted the lack of attacking options to choose from is a pressing concern
16:04, 23 Jan 2026
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has revealed Alex Toth could be handed his Bournemouth debut against Liverpool(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Adoni Iraola has revealed that Bournemouth will be without Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks for the Premier League encounter against Liverpool this weekend, but could hand January signing Alex Toth his debut after signing for the club this week.
The Reds travel to the south coast looking to end their run of four straight league draws, while also registering a first Premier League victory in 2026. Those chances have certainly been boosted by a spate of recent injuries in the Bournemouth ranks.
Tavernier added to the mounting list when he came off with a hamstring injury in Monday’s draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, while Brooks sustained an ankle issue in the previous week’s FA Cup defeat against Newcastle United.
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With Antoine Semenyo defecting to Manchester City, Iraola’s numbers have been significantly depleted this month, but the Cherries boss has, at least, welcomed the arrival of Toth from Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
Iraola confirmed the player is in line to feature on Saturday and said he may even start, despite having trained with his new teammates for only a few days.
“Yes, he is definitely available,” said the Spaniard. “Probably in other situations, we will allow him a little bit more time to train, to explain more things, but in the situation that we find ourselves in right now, he has to be ready because definitely we will need him.
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“I feel like he has come with the hunger of showing his level, and I hope he helps us as soon as possible.
“Sometimes it's difficult straight away. You make the move, one, two trainings, and sometimes it's a little bit too rushed, but he will be available for tomorrow and for sure ready to help us.
“He comes in a good physical condition and he's available and he is ready for whatever we consider.”
Marcus Tavernier
Marcus Tavernier picked up an injury in Bournemouth's draw against Brighton(Image: )
On the injury front, Iraola confirmed Enes Unal could be in line to return after missing Monday’s draw against Brighton, but Bournemouth remains without Julio Soler, Tyler Adams, Ben Gannon-Doak and Justin Kluivert, in addition to Tavernier and Brooks.
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“I think it's very similar. I think everyone understands our situation is very delicate,” said Iraola.
“We are very thin, especially with Tavs’ injury in the offensive positions, in the wingers, especially without Brooks, Antoine, Justin and Tavernier. Basically, they are the four players that have covered these three positions behind the striker during the first half of the season.
“We’ve seen Junior Kroupi participating more, but we need more because at the end we need also the subs to give us this energy in the second half and right now it's difficult because we don't have numbers.”