Bournemouth news: Nizaar Kinsella on dealing with injuries

On By Littum

Andoni Iraola and his Bournemouth players were unfortunate that Reece James’ 95th-minute free-kick, which they felt should have been ruled out, cost them another moment in the limelight.

But the Cherries were outstanding at Stamford Bridge, especially considering they were without 13 senior players and struggling to keep a nine-match unbeaten run alive in difficult circumstances.

This is Bournemouth’s longest run in the Premier League era, but there remain concerns about what lies ahead. They have just 12 fit players available and face games with Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

“It’s a big concern,” Iraola said when asked by BBC Sport. “In the last month it has been a very difficult situation in terms of numbers. Evanilson and Enes Unal (both strikers) are both specific players injured in the same position, and here we had 12 outfield players from the first team and then lost. James Hill (to injury ).

“We can ask for help from the young players, but most of them are not ready to play a game like (against Chelsea). Some started the cup game, but it is too much to ask them to play many Premier League minutes .I’m proud of those who are available, but I’m worried that those who are healthy and survive as they play more minutes than they would in a normal situation.

“The injury that happened to James Hill is because we asked him to play every 90 minutes and it could happen to others, but we have to survive at least one or two games before the players come back.”

Some clubs may look to the transfer market to make short-term signings to plug gaps in the circumstances facing Bournemouth.

But management feel that being fifth in the Premier League means the pressure is off and there are concerns that any reactive loan signings will just end up on the bench when key players return.

The South Coast club feel sticking with the long-term plan that has served them well this season is the most productive option – even if the club lacks talent in the interim.