Andoni Iraola admits it is ‘a very difficult and delicate situation’ as so few players are available for the match against Newcastle

Ahead of Newcastle United, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has admitted they are in a difficult situation.

The Cherries ended an eleven-match run without a win by beating Spurs 3-2 on Wednesday evening.

However, a very small available selection of Bournemouth players has now become even smaller.

Andoni Iraola would already come to St James’ Park without Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Adams, Ryan Christie, William Dennis and Justin Kluivert, among others.

Now after that Spurs game, the Bournemouth boss saw star man Antoine Semenyo sold to Manchester City. The talisman has already scored ten goals this season.

With Andoni Iraola admitting on Friday that first-choice centre-forward Evanilson could also miss the match against Newcastle, the Brazilian striker forced himself out against Spurs and was replaced by Enes Unal in that match. However, Iraola says “some issues” are being assessed on both forwards, with Unal and Evanilson possibly not involved in the FA Cup third round.

Bournemouth of course travel to play Newcastle United less than 72 hours after beating Spurs, which makes it extra tough for such a small group of players.

Andoni Iraola admitted at his press conference on Friday: “It is a difficult moment for us, because we are in a delicate situation and that is also the case in terms of numbers [only] 15 field players. We have to choose the combinations very carefully. to think about how we can be competitive.”

Dealing with the “disappointment” of drawing away to Newcastle United in the third round of the FA Cup, Andoni Iraola stated: “The only chance we have now… is to play a very, very good match and somehow go through [against Newcastle]…and earn the right to participate in the next draw.”