Bournemouth will be without forward Justin Kluivert and midfielder Ryan Christie for their Premier League opener against defending champions Liverpool, manager Andoni Iraola said Thursday.
Kluivert, last season’s top scorer with 12 league goals, has missed the preseason due to a calf injury. “Justin hasn’t been training with us, so he’s out,” Iraola said. Christie, 30, has resumed training after a groin problem but is deemed not ready. “It’s too early for him because he hasn’t done any preseason,” the manager added.
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New signing Bafodé Diakité, a center back from Lille, could make his debut, though Iraola said he had yet to decide. Bournemouth sold most of their first-choice defense, including Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, raising about $200 million. Kerkez joined Liverpool.
On winger Dango Ouattara, linked with a move to Brentford, Iraola said his availability was uncertain and would be decided by the club before the match.
Source: Agency