Bournemouth have suffered an early set-back, as Marcus Tavernier and Lloyd Kelly have picked up injuries.
Marcus Tavernier and Lloyd Kelly are both set for a spell on the sidelines. Whilst it’s hoped that Kelly will be fit again in time for the start of the Premier League campaign, Tavernier is set to miss the early games, as reported by the Daily Echo.
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola confirmed the news, saying, “unfortunately, both got injured in Marbella. I think Marcus especially, will be out for the start of the season…We hope we can have Lloyd, but it will be tight, the schedule…But it’s a shame now, because especially they are two very good guys, two very good players. Something that now we have to deal with.”
Kelly is a former club captain, and Tavernier is a key figure at the Vitality Stadium. Not only will these injuries have short-term implications, but there will be concerns at the club over how missing out on a proper pre-season might effect the players over the course of the campaign.
How Bournemouth will cope without Kelly and Tavernier
Between them, Kelly and Tavernier racked up 46 Premier League appearances last season. Tavernier also chipped in with 5 goals and 4 assists. The 24-year-old’s versatility will be a big miss for Iraola, as he offers the manager so many different tactical options.
Iraola will be looking to the likes of James Hill and Ilya Zabarnyi to shine in Kelly’s absence, whilst new boy Justin Kluivert will be relied upon heavily whilst Tavernier is out of action.
Bournemouth kick off the new Premier League season on August 12th when they host West Ham United. It will be interesting to see how Iraola approaches his first competitive match in charge, with both Kelly and Tavernier unlikely to be at his disposal.