Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is facing a spell of up to three months on the sidelines after suffering an MCL injury during Monday night’s Premier League clash with Manchester United, it was announced by Head Coach Andoni Iraola in the pre-match press conference this morning.
The United States captain was forced off after just five minutes at Old Trafford following a strong challenge with Matheus Cunha, immediately raising concerns.
Adams now joins Ryan Christie and Ben Gannon-Doak on the club’s growing injury list.
Iraola confirmed the extent of the setback, saying, “Tyler is injured and has torn his MCL, so he will definitely be out for some time. From our previous experience with MCL injuries, it is normally around two or three months.”
“Straight away, when you see the mechanism of the injury and the action itself, we felt it could be something serious.”
A growing problem for Bournemouth
Tyler Adams playing for Bournemouth against Newcastle United in the Premier League
Adams’ injury presents a significant challenge for Iraola, particularly given the midfielder’s importance to Bournemouth’s structure and play this season.
The 25-year-old has been a constant presence when fit, providing balance, intensity, and protection in the centre of the pitch.
Iraola later talked about the expected recovery timeline, acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with ligament injuries.
“Tyler [Adams], like we expected, not watching the play live; he has done his MCL, and definitely he has to go through the process. I think it’s between two and three months, more or less,” he said.
“If you are optimistic, it’s going to be two. If you are pessimistic, it’s going to be three. Something in between, probably. He’s a big miss for us because he’s a player who gives us a lot of things.”
Despite alternative options in midfield, Iraola has been clear about how difficult Adams will be to replace within the sides.
“Tyler is very valuable for us and very unique in what he does,” he added.
“We do have options, Alex has been playing there and Lewis Cook is in his natural position there, but it’s true that Tyler is difficult to replace.”
“It’s bad news for us, because Tyler is massive for us”
The timing of the injury is especially frustrating for Adams personally.
After battling hamstring and back problems over the past two seasons, he had enjoyed a strong and consistent run this year, featuring in 14 of Bournemouth’s first 15 league matches and re-establishing himself as a key figure at the club.
Adams will miss Saturday’s meeting with Burnley and faces a crucial period of recovery ahead of the summer.
His injury progress will not only be closely monitored by Bournemouth but also by the United States men’s national team, with a home World Cup just six months away and Adams now racing to be available for the tournament.
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