Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is optimistic over star striker Dominic Solanke’s inclusion for their Premier League clash against Sheffield United as he gave a fitness update on Friday (Mar 8). Solanke, who is struggling with a knee issue is the club’s top scorer in the league and could miss the home clash against Sheffield United on Saturday. According to Iraola Solanke hasn’t trained fully with the side and is looking forward to the matchday to stand any chance of him playing in the Premier League match.
Dominic Solanke Injury
“Dom is in a similar position to this past week,” Iraola said. “He hasn’t trained fully with the team, we are trying to put him in the best positions to play tomorrow. Hopefully, he’ll train normally this evening with his feelings we will take the decision much like we did last week.
“He’s been playing through pain, sometimes it’s better, sometimes it’s worse. We’re trying to manage it with these two games we have, we don’t want to put too much training on him.
“He (is) someone who has played and trained a lot of minutes, he’s been very robust this season and maybe he doesn’t need to train as much as other players. I hope he can play as many minutes as he can but it’s something we’re dealing with,” the Bournemouth manager added.
Also Read: Watkins and Trippier lead the Premier League most assists chart after Gameweek 27
Saturday’s clash could serve as a bonus three points for Bournemouth as Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United have been leaking goals for fun. They lost 6-0 on Monday against Arsenal and have conceded 26 goals in their last seven matches in the Premier League.
For Solanke he did not feature in the team’s defeat to second division high-flyers Leicester City in the FA Cup last week. However, he was part of the side that beat Burnley last week in the Premier League.
Premier League relegation battle
Currently on 31 points, a win for Bournemouth will see them approach relative safety in the Premier League. They are 11 points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town who occupy the final relegation spot in the Premier League.
Sheffield United on the flip side will look to put behind their disappointing run having been on a torrid run of form. The only encouraging sign for them away from home is their decent form where they beat Luton Town while narrowly losing to Wolves. As things stand, the Blades are bottom of the league and have already shifted 72 goals and stand 11 points off the safety zone.
Also Read: Man City and Arsenal Rise in Premier League Standings; Liverpool Maintains Top Spot | GW 27