AFC Bournemouth have been handed a huge boost on the injury front after it was revealed that Antoine Semenyo came through an injury unscathed.
In the closing stages of Cherries' 3-0 win over Brighton at the weekend Semenyo was stretchered off after a heavy challenge by Seagulls defender Joel Veltman in injury time.
Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola shared immediately after the game that the injury looked “bad” but admitted that an MRI scan would be required to find out the severity of the issue.
However, the scan has shown that the Ghanaian international has not sustained any injury to his knee.
Semenyo was back training with the squad in the build up to Cherries’ trip to league leaders Arsenal, and will travel with the team to the Emirates tomorrow (12.30pm).
Asked about the winger, Iraola replied: “There is news this week.
“The MRI has been clear, he has been doing some things with the team this week. I think he is going to be involved in the squad.
“It’s probably the best news for us this week.
“It looked ugly, but I think he is so strong, he has so strong muscles, it keeps his structure in place. Everything has been clear, he had some bruise but he has been involved in training.
“He is ready to travel with us, and he is ready to be a part of the squad.”
“It was not so big a surprise, because the next day when he waked up, we assessed him before the MRI, he was feeling better.
“The knee was not as swollen as we expected.
“We could have some hope that maybe it not as serious as we expect. The medical staff was pretty optimistic, but until you have the test results it’s difficult.
“We could feel it in the changing room, after the game finished – after the 3-0 everyone was not even very delighted because Antoine is a very important player for us. On the pitch, off the pitch, he has a very good character.
“He is quite open, everyone loves him. I think it is very good news for us."
Defender Illia Zabarnyi and Philip Billing have also recovered from a fever, whilst midfielder Romain Faivre is once again available for selection after a hamstring issue.
“Illia Zabarnyi is going to be available, Romain Faivre is going to be available, has improved well," continued Iraola.
“Philip is good. We are recovering players, Zaba, Romain Favire and Philip Billing.
“I don’t know if we are going to lose any – there are one or two we have to wait and see if they can start or not.
“But I hope it is a better situation than the one against Brighton.”
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