Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has revealed that Ryan Christie is playing through the pain barrier.
The 58 time Scotland cap was named in Steve Clarke's squad for the crucial Nations League playoff double header with Greece next week after some outstanding displays for the Premier League side. But his gaffer has now said he's having to manage a groin injury, that could cause a selection headache ahead of the all-important double header.
Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, Christie's boss Iraola said: "“I think we are being quite selective with training, his feeling, going day by day. Sometimes we don't know why he's feeling better.
“Sometimes he's more with the pain. I think especially first half (against Tottenham), he was really good. He played very well. Probably in this kind of injuries that are more chronic, after half time it’s difficult to get the same, because you stop and then it costs us a little bit more to start again.
“But he's very experienced, he's very honest, so we have to listen to him and whenever he thinks he's ready to go for us, perfect. And if not, also we have other options.”
Christie has been a key player for the Cherries, who sit seventh in the Premier League, starting 25 of their 28 games while managing his injury which is expected to need surgery over the summer. No player in the Premier League this season has won possession more times (154) than ex Inverness man, who made his international debut against the Netherlands back in 2017.
Since then he has made himself a key player for Steve Clarke, earning 58 caps and scoring seven times - most recently against Croatia in October.