Eddie Howe has been addressing the media ahead of his side’s clash with Sunderland.
Rhoys Wiggins, the Bournemouth full-back who had been on loan at Birmingham, will be out for the rest of the season after picking up a serious injury in the second city derby last weekend, Eddie Howe has told the club’s official website.
The 28-year-old picked up the knock in the closing stages of Blues 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Aston Villa last weekend. It was his first start for Gary Rowett’s side, and Howe confirmed that the injury looks as if it will keep Wiggins out for a lengthy period of time.
Rhoys Wiggins (R)
“It seems serious, so he’s seen a specialist and has been booked in for an operation, we have to wait for the swelling to go down on his knee first,” Howe said.
“I think he’ll be out for the rest of the season and it should be next season before he’s back. We’ll give him all the support we can,” he added.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe
The news is set to impact Birmingham more than Bournemouth, as Wiggins has still not appeared for the Cherries since returning to the side on deadline day of the 2016 winter transfer window.
Even so, it is a devastating blow for the former Wales Under-21 international, who had battled back from a series of knocks to feature at St Andrew’s last weekend.
Howe went on to say that there were “a couple of niggles” among the squad, but no other serious long-term absentees.
Bournemouth’s Joshua King celebrates
Among those who are recovering from knocks are Josh King, who should be fit, and Andrew Surman, who returned from an injury to start in the defeat at Middlesbrough last time out but may struggle to make Saturday.
Junior Stanislas is back in training for the Cherries and could return to the fold. The former West Ham winger has not featured since a sparkling display in the 6-1 victory over Hull.
Bournemouth’s Junior Stanislas scores their fourth goal against Hull
Despite a disappointing display at the Riverside last weekend, Bournemouth enter the weekend in the top half and will surely be eyeing three points against a Sunderland side who are still searching for their first win of the season.
A victory on Saturday would take the Cherries above neighbours Southampton, while a win by three clear goals would see Howe’s side leap up to seventh as the three teams above them do not play until Sunday.
What do you think the score will be at the Vitality Stadium? Leave your predictions below.
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