Bournemouth have suffered a huge blow with boss Andoni Iraola confirming Tyler Adams will be sidelined with a torn MCL.
The 26-year-old has starred for the Cherries this term, which has led to Manchester United considering a potential £40million move in 2026.
Tyler Adams injured against Manchester Unitd
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Adams suffered his knee injury during the recent 4-4 draw at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
talkSPORT's transfer correspondent Ben Jacobsrevealed that Adams is on United's radar as a future midfield target for Ruben Amorim.
However, his prospects of a January transfer have effectively been ended by an injury suffered, ironically, at Old Trafford.
The USA international injured his knee in the second minute of the 4-4 epic during a challenge with Matheus Cunha and was forced off.
Speaking immediately after the thriller, Bournemouth coach Iraola said: "He's the worst news from the game, definitely. The knee twisted, I think the MCL. We'll have to check and see if it is a small sprain or bigger."
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Iraola's worst fears have now been realised, with the Bournemouth boss confirming the injury timescale in his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday's clash with Burnley.
The Spaniard revealed that Adams has suffered a torn MCL and could be sidelined for up to three months.
Can't Adam and Eve it
Iraola said: "Tyler is injured. He has torn his MCL. So he will be out, definitely out for some time."
Commenting on when Adams could be back in action, Iraola remarked: "Normally two, three months.
"Two months, optimistic two months, pessimistic three, something like this.
"So, yes, it's a big blow. It's a big blow because it's an important player for us.
Adams suffered his latest injury against a team interested in signing him
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Adams suffered his latest injury against a team interested in signing himCredit: Getty
Amorim may need to rejig his transfer plans
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Amorim may need to rejig his transfer plansCredit: Getty
"But straight away, when you see the mechanism, the action, we were feeling that there could be something there. Yes."
Adams has started 15 of Bournemouth's 16 Premier League matches this season, only missing the other game through suspension.
He has scored twice and registered one assist, and even won November's Goal of the Month award for his stunning long-range lob in the club's 3-2 away defeat at Sunderland last month.
"Tyler is very valuable for us," Iraola continued. I think he's also a very unique player, very specific player in what he does.
"But we also have options. Alex [Scott] has been playing there as a number six.
"We have Lewis Cook, that is his natural position that we recover him from the suspension. But it's true that he's a player that is difficult to replace because he's very, very unique."
Tyler Adams stats for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season
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Adams has been a key figure for Bournemouth this season
The midfielder's latest fitness setback comes as a heavy blow, having previously endured a near two-year road back to full fitness.
A hamstring injury in March 2023 ultimately required surgery, with multiple back issues then hampering his progress on the south coast.
The US 2022 World Cup captain has made over 50 appearances for Bournemouth since his £20m arrival from Leeds two years ago.
Adams was a virtual ever-present in Iraola's side that finished ninth in the Premier League last season after an injury-hit first year.
His continued form this term saw him emerge as a cost-effective alternative target to Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba for United.
Second big-six transfer derailed
Any potential switch to Old Trafford was always more likely to be next summer, but injury has come at an inopportune time again.
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Adams' recent run of good fitness came to an unfortunate end at Old Trafford
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Adams' recent run of good fitness came to an unfortunate end at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
Adams was previously nursing a fitness issue when Chelsea activatedhis £20m release clause at Leeds, before talks broke down.
Bournemouth swooped in a week later and would be reluctant to let their key man go when interest is renewed after the World Cup.