Christie had a hugely disrupted 2025, having surgery on a groin issue that he was managing for much of the 24/25 campaign in April.
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The hope was that Christie would be ready for the 25/26 season after that surgery, but he had a disrupted preseason and start to the campaign, starting just once in the opening 12 games.
The following nine games saw the midfielder miss seven of them, with one appearance off the bench at home against Burnley.
Ryan Christie. (Image: Richard Crease)
Christie told the Daily Echo after his return in January at Brighton that he had perhaps come back too quickly, but since that game, he has gradually built up his minutes and looks to be returning to form.
He was impressive last Friday against Manchester United and he scored the equaliser to make it 1-1 with a neat finish from the top of the box.
Speaking after the game, Iraola told the Daily Echo just how central a fully-fit Christie is to the Cherries squad.
“Ryan has had a very difficult season, obviously has been out some time with some injuries, and I think now he's recovering his form,” he said.
Ryan Christie. (Image: Richard Crease)
“And for us, a healthy, on-form Ryan Christie is a very good player.
“I'm happy to have him. I'm happy for him also personally because I know that it has been a difficult period.
“Also the performances of Alex Scott, of Lewis Cook, has made it even more difficult for him to get the minutes. And now even today he's adding more minutes.
“Physically you see him stronger. I hope he can continue the form in the national team and finishes the season strong because also these games that he hasn't played probably make him like more fresh for this end of season and also from his individual side for the World Cup.”