Midweek FA Cup Clash Not Ideal For Iraola

 

AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said he would “like more days to recover” for Thursdays FA Cup clash with Swansea City.

The Cherries were missing seven first team players for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool. The issue only seemed to get worse when Max Aarons was forced to come off injured.

Aarons was the only fit full back available to Bournemouth, and the absences in this position have proved to be a problem for Iraola’s side.

When asked if it was nice to have Swansea midweek to immediately bounce back, the Spaniard said: “I would prefer not, especially considering our defending position, the full back position.

“We have one less day than them for the game, but it is what it is. We have to prepare because we want to be in the next round.”

The 4-0 defeat to Liverpool was the Cherries first league game of 2024. However the busy December schedule took its toll on the squad.

Injuries, particularly in the full back position, have caused Iraola to recall players from loan. One of these players is 22 year-old James Hill, who was given his first start last weekend weekend.

This is Iraola’s first season managing in England. He was asked what he thinks about the winter schedule and the number of games being played.

He said: “Almost all the teams, we are in the same situation losing a lot players with injuries. It’s something that we have to adapt, thats why the top teams now are starting to get to 30 players in the squad.”

Bournemouth will be boosted by the return of Antoine Semenyo. He looks set to come back after his Ghana side finished third in group B.

The Cherries host Swansea City in the 4th round of the FA Cup at 7:45pm on Thursday.