ADAM Smith is a serious injury doubt for Cherries’ Premier League opener against West Ham United.
Smith missed Saturday’s 2-0 victory over FC Lorient, in the club’s final game of pre-season.
With Cherries’ only other senior right-back, Ryan Fredericks, also not fit to feature, Jaidon Anthony filled in in that position for the contest at Vitality Stadium.
Discussing Smith’s absence, Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think it is a muscle injury. It is going to be tough for him.
“I think he will probably be out for the start of the season. It is something we have to think about for the first game.”
Another player who missed the win over Lorient was Ryan Christie, while Dominic Solanke was an unused substitute.
SALE | Subscribe to read extra Cherries content on the Echo website - £6 for 6 months sale
“Ryan I think it was a small issue,” said Iraola.
“I think he even could have played today, but seven days from the beginning of the season, it doesn’t make sense to take any risk.
“Also we decided not to put Dom on, even if he was on the bench.
“Because if you feel anything that is not 100 per cent, it was not the moment to take risks.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel