Bournemouth

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport senior journalist

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The Bournemouth rollercoaster shows no sign of stopping – in the past week alone, Andoni Iraola's side stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to an unprecedented eight games thanks to a sublime David Brooks volley sinking Everton, signed two players, but lost both of their main strikers to injury.

While USA youth international defender Matai Akinmboni is very much "one for the future", and fellow teenager Julio Soler from Argentina provides some depth where there previously was none - with Milos Kerkez the only recognised left-back in the squad for the first half of the season - speculation will now ramp up over how they will fill a now-glaring void in attack.

While the best-case scenario for Evanilson after metatarsal surgery could mean the Brazilian is back in a couple of months, his regular deputy Enes Unal's ACL injury in training means the Turkey striker looks unlikely to feature again this season.

Even before both injuries, there had been reports Daniel Jebbison's loan at Watford was likely to be terminated this month as it has not worked out as planned - and Bournemouth have now confirmed his recall - though at Premier League level the 21-year-old is more of a back-up than a starter.

Any transfer efforts set in motion by Evanilson's injury will have been redoubled after losing Unal, and it will not harm Bournemouth's recruitment plans that owner Bill Foley is in town this week if a permanent move rather than a loan needs to be sanctioned at the highest level.

And while all that takes place, Iraola has an FA Cup tie against West Brom for which to prepare. The Cherries' injury issues mean they do not have the personnel available to name an entirely different starting XI as some top-flight managers will no doubt do in round three.

"I'd go strong," ex-Cherries midfielder Joe Partington told BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast, which has returned this week.

"Have Bournemouth ever been better set up than they are now to go after a cup competition?

"You only have to look at last season when Leicester were doing very well in the Championship, and maybe Bournemouth's fans would have expected them to win that [fifth-round tie] with a watered-down team.

"But Leicester won that game. You think 'ah, that's a shame' as they'd have been very close to a semi-final. Even though I don't agree with the semi-finals being at Wembley, it's a great day out. Show respect to the cup and play your best team."

What's worse than losing your first-choice striker to injury? Your back-up to suffer the same fate the very next day.

After it was confirmed on Tuesday Evanilson has had surgery on a broken bone in his foot, with no timescale yet put on his return, Enes Unal has now been ruled out long term with an ACL tear suffered in training.

We asked Cherries fans on Tuesday, external how their team should deal with the Evanilson's absence and opinion was split as to whether it was Unal's time to step up or more depth was needed in the striker position.

In the previous post on this page, former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington said the club must "go and get someone else in the next 20 days".

Daniel Jebbison has now been recalled from his loan spell at Watford, but with Andoni Iraola's side enjoying a fine season and harbouring hopes of finishing in a European place, the loss of a second senior striker within two days may make the acquisition of a new forward a priority in January.

So, Bournemouth fans, who would you like to see come in? Or can the problem be solved within the current squad?

Let us know here

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Bournemouth have confirmed striker Daniel Jebbison has been recalled from his loan spell at Watford.

After appearing in the Cherries' opening two games of the season, the 21-year-old played 13 times for the Tom Cleverley's side but struggled for consistency with the Hornets 13th in the Championship.

He joined Bournemouth in July, following the expiration of his contract with Sheffield United.

The decision to recall Jebbison follows the news that fellow forwards Evanilson and Enes Unal are both set for spells on the sideline with injury.

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The injury to striker Evanlison is a "big blow" and Bournemouth must "go and get someone else" in the January transfer window, says former Cherries defender Joe Partington.

Evanilson has had surgery on a broken bone in his foot, with no timescale yet put on his return.

"People had a few question marks over Evanilson at the start of the season when his performances were good but it didn't look like he would necessarily be that goalscorer that they needed and had lost with Dominic Solanke's move to Spurs," Partington told BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast.

"He has surpassed everyone's assumptions of what he was capable of and now he's a very important part of that front four, which is so important to Bournemouth's success at the moment.

"It's an opportunity for someone to come in to the team and do well but he's one of the best players so it will be tough to replace him.

"You're looking at two months out minimum and then beyond that he's got to get back up to the speed he has been playing at, which is even more difficult. Then it's the latter stages of the season too. It's going to be really difficult for him to have that same impact on the team.

"Bournemouth's best Premier League teams have always been as successful as their number nine.

"What they need to do in the next 20 days or so is to go and get someone else."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Seventh in the Premier League, Bournemouth and their fans are dreaming of qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history, but what lessons do they need to learn from sides who struggled to cope with competing domestically and on the continent?

Cherries fan Craig Beazley tells The Football News Show why the club must be shrewd with their spending and predicts where they will finish in the Premier League...

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

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Bournemouth's signing of young left-back Julio Soler from Argentine side Lanus is preparation for a future that could involve European football, says former Cherries defender Joe Partington.

Milos Kerkez is enjoying an excellent season in that position but is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and it is one of the few areas where manager Andoni Iraola does not have two strong options.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast, Partington said: "Milos Kerkez looks like an incredibly fit player. I love that ability he has to sprint to get up with play, but you need back-up.

"Bournemouth are now a club that can invest in the future. They don't necessarily feel comfortable with where they are in the Premier League, but they are established enough that they are building towards a future.

"If you are going to be a European football club and effectively add a third more games to your season then you need more players who are at that level to play. You can't expect every player to play every minute, especially with games midweek.

"Kerkez is playing very well without competition but adding a 19-year-old in Julio Soler who is keen to play might take him to another level.

"It's always good to add more depth, that's how you really push your environment.

"Bournemouth have reached a level where they are signing players who can come in and play and make the environment better immediately rather than needing development and when you have that it is a recipe for success."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Manchester United want to sign Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez but Bournemouth's £40m asking price for the 22-year-old could be a stumbling block. (Teamtalk, external)

Wolves and Bournemouth are interested in Chelsea's 21-year-old Portugal defender Renato Veiga. (Mail, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We asked for your views on Bournemouth's new signing Julio Soler and the impact his arrival could have on fellow left-back Milos Kerkez's future.

Here are some of your comments:

Robbie: Can see Kerkez leaving in the summer. This lad looks highly promising and makes sense to get him in now for a period of acclimatisation and to be ready for next season.

Rob: Natural replacement for Kerkez but would like this to happen at the end of the season. No doubt Kerkez will be off at some stage.

Mark: Looks like it's bye bye Milos. Knew he would be coveted by the big boys the first time I saw him play. Hopefully we can cash in. He has been good for us so I'd wish him well.

BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast is back with a new episode on BBC Sounds.

Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington joins the team to chat the Evanilson injury blow, the signing of Julio Soler and what might be to come in the rest of the January transfer window.

Listen to the full episode

Bournemouth are enjoying their best run of form in the Premier League, with victory over Everton extending their unbeaten run to eight games.

As they are in the mix for a place in Europe, what's been the key to their transformation?

Former Cherries player and manager Harry Redknapp tells The Football News Show how shrewd recruitment and an impressive work rate have set Bournemouth up for success, regardless if their best players get sold.

• Get the latest Bournemouth news on their dedicated club page

Watch The Football News Show on iPlayer

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We asked for your views on how big a blow Evanilson's injury is, and who you would choose to replace him in his absence.

Here is a selection of your responses:

Mark: Devastated for Evanilson first and foremos - let's hope he is back soon. He might only have five goals, but his work-rate is unbelievable. For me, he is by far the best striker we have ever had. We need to get someone in on loan... Marcus Rashford? Also time for Enes Unal to shine - this is his chance. With Europe genuinely in sight, let's hope we get as many players back as soon as possible.

Jake: Unal should see this as an opportunity to step up - and I would be surprised if we didn't see Andoni Iraola looking to strengthen depth in the number nine position in January.

Tim: Fortunately, Bournemouth have been scoring from a variety of personnel - not just Evanilson. Replacing his position, and back up, will require some investment during the January window. However, replacing his goals will be a squad effort.

Robbie: A huge blow. It's not just his goals, but his work-rate and the way he fits perfectly into Iraola's system. I am not sure we have anyone in the current squad who can play that role. Hopefully PSR will not restrict signing a replacement (maybe a loan) and the passport will not need to be put back in the drawer!

Kris: We need to get another striker on loan in the window. Unal won't cut it for the months Evanilson is out.

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Bournemouth have signed defender Julio Soler from Lanus for an initial fee of about £6.6m.

The deal for the 19-year-old, who the Cherries say has signed "a long-term contract", could eventually be worth about £11.5m if all add-on clauses are met.

Born in Paraguay, Soler is an Argentina Under-23 international and played all four games for Javier Mascherano's side in their run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympics.

The left-back, who has previously captained his nation at under-20 level, was called up to the senior team for the World Cup qualifiers in October 2024, but is yet to earn his first international cap.

Soler signed for Argentine club Lanus as a nine-year-old and made 58 appearances.

Simon Francis, Bournemouth's technical director, said: "Julio is another talented young player who arrives highly sought after and we are pleased to have added him to our squad.

"With the way Andoni [Iraola] and his staff improve exciting prospects, we look forward to seeing Julio's progress with us."

What do you think of this signing, Cherries fans? And could it have any impact on the future of fellow left-back Milos Kerkez?

Have your say here

Tom Jordan
Fan writer

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Eight unbeaten is a club record in the top flight for Bournemouth and with this form coinciding with somewhat of an injury crisis, it really solidifies the way some "fringe" players have stepped up when required.

The matchwinner at the weekend was David Brooks, a player whose minutes have been limited for a long while; however, he is continuing to show how valuable he remains to the club.

Signing for the Cherries in 2018 from Sheffield United, Brooks was an exciting talent with an incredibly high ceiling, but he has been through more testing times than most.

After being diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2021, it took him nearly two years to make his next league appearance. After a loan away at Southampton and plenty of challenging moments, it was recognised he was still an important member of the Cherries squad for this campaign.

More often than not, he has had to settle for the bench, hardly surprising considering the form of those in front of him. However injuries to Marcus Tavernier and Luis Sinisterra in particular, have allowed Brooks to gain more minutes and remind us all just how talented he can be.

In a game against Everton that seemed destined for a goalless draw at the weekend, Brooks was introduced on 71 minutes and had scored the winner by minute 77, a sublime volley from that beautiful left foot of his.

There is undoubtedly plenty of talent in the Bournemouth squad, but it should not be forgotten that Brooks is certainly among them.

He's back and he's got a huge part to play.

Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

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Bournemouth have been dealt a significant injury blow as record signing Evanilson has had surgery on a broken bone in his foot, with no timescale put on his return.

How big a blow is this news, Cherries fans? And how should Andoni Iraola best cover his absence?

Tell us here

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans

Lee: A dogged performance from us against an Everton team that never really looked like they wanted to win the game. Milos Kerkez was fantastic again and a sublime finish from David Brooks got us the three points, but we were by far the better team and fully deserved them. Onwards and upwards for the Cherries!

Gary: It was hard to break down a one-dimensional Everton side but when the goal came, it was a thing of beauty. Well worth the three points alone. Everyone played their part but I felt Philip Billing was off the pace when he came on.

Tom: Thank you Cherries! A good and hard fought match. The substitute did it! Magic!

Chris: We are living the dream after years of wallowing and trips to Port Vale and Grimsby. Now we are firmly in the top tier. It warms the cockles.

Everton fans

John: As a lifelong Everton fan, I have never seen a more poorly coached team. Zero shots on goal is pathetic and shows a complete lack of team organisation. If we go a goal down, it is game over. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has lost all his confidence and the rest of the squad do not seem far behind him.

Dave: The Blues look completely inept and I have no idea where or how they are going to score a goal. Maybe it's a confidence thing but several of the shots were terrible and even the basics were wrong. They must, must try harder.

Tim: I'll keep it short and not so sweet. How has Dyche kept his job so far with such an abysmal offensive record? No shots on target, no goals, no positive attacking, no hope of avoiding relegation under him because of such a poor squad he has built and under-coached.

Robert: I'm questioning how we are doing so badly, bearing in mind the amount of money that has been spent over these recent years, along with having our own homegrown players to select from? It's now worth asking why we are building a new stadium, when we are either drawing or losing, which is upsetting all the supporters who pay so much money to back the club.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

• Brighton 1-1 Arsenal

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Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to BBC Match Of The Day following the win: "We had to be patient, even if we had been in control of the game and pushing them a lot. We had chances, but they have very good centre-backs and goalkeeper, and we couldn't make the difference until close to the end.

"Probably we should have scored earlier but, fortunately, this time it hasn't cost us points.

"We wanted to open the game as much as possible but this is tough against Everton. Once they started running out of legs, they can evenly attack you so we can exploit more spaces.

"That didn't happen until the end and we needed a very good finish with a lovely goal from David Brooks. He has top quality, with the striking and composure, so I am happy for him.

"We are happy with the run of games, the results and the performances. I think we now play four of the next five against top five teams, who are ahead of us, so I hope we can continue with this level of performance.

"I don't know if it is enough to beat these teams, but we will try to be competitive with the teams at the top."

Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist

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Bournemouth have sailed through this season, but are now in unchartered territory.

The Cherries have never had more than the 33 points they have accumulated from 20 Premier League games this season.

It's left the club's supporters dreaming of European football and, whisper it quietly, even the prospect of qualifying for the Champions League.

A stern examination of those credentials will come over the course of the next month or so.

Chelsea, Newcastle, Forest and Liverpool are next up in the Premier League for the Andoni Iraola's side - four games against four teams currently occupying positions in the top five.

Iraola's players were relaxed against Everton as they patiently waited for a winner.

But the stakes will be higher against jostling to finish in the top four which could present Iraola with a dilemma on how to approach the matches.

Pragmatically keep themselves in the hunt, or seize the moment to achieve something truly special.

It should prove to be an intriguing few weeks.

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Bournemouth are now unbeaten in eight Premier League games (W5 D3), their longest ever run without defeat in the top-flight.

The Cherries have scored more goals through substitutes than any other side in the Premier League this season, with their 10 goals from the bench also their most in a single top-flight campaign.

Only three sides - Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City - have had more shots on target in the Premier League than Bournemouth this season (114). The Cherries' average of 5.7 shots on target per game is their highest in a single campaign in the competition.