Iraola on a positive international break, Semenyo's fitness and Brighton

Josh Lobley

BBC Sport journalist

22 November 2024

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton (kick-off 15:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Iraola provided a squad fitness update: "Everyone who went with their national teams has come back available and healthy. Some have played more minutes and will be more tired, but there's been no new injuries."
When asked about Antoine Semenyo, who didn't go on international duty with Ghana: "He is similar to Milos [Kerkez] - they are young and playing a lot of minutes. I think it's kind of a tendonitis [issue]. It's the only time he had to receive treatment to try to solve a more chronic issue. I think they can continue playing with this, I hope it becomes better and better. I hope they can both play tomorrow."
On Saturday's opponents: "I've liked a lot of what I've seen from Brighton. I think they have kept a lot of good things they had from [Roberto] De Zerbi but I think they are now even more dynamic. They are playing really well and it won't be easy."
Iraola was asked how the Seagulls compare with Arsenal and Manchester City, their previous opponents at Vitality Stadium: "They have a lot of things in common with these big teams. We have to be ready to play very well without the ball and win very difficult individual duels. Our performance has to be very good."
On Ryan Christie, who is suspended for the weekend's match: "We lose a very important player, but it was a matter of time and we will have to adapt. His replacement, Alex Scott, is also injured so we will need others to step up."

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