On a large, it hasn’t been too bad a start to the season for AFC Bournemouth, who are enjoying life in their first year in the big flight of English football. – But the club have had yet another set back today, as club Captain Tommy Elphick has been ruled out until 2016 at the earliest.
Above reigning champions Chelsea, and eight points from eight games, – that would have probably pleased fans of the Cherries before the season started, with the club more importantly three places above the dreaded relegation zone – which swallows up and spits out three unlucky clubs each season.
However it’s not all been fairytales for the club thus far. Striker Callum Wilson picked up where he left off from the previous season, scoring for fun – and this time at a higher level. Five goals from the opening seven games left Wilson on England manager Roy Hodgson’s mind, that is until he suffered a rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a match against Stoke City in late September, ruling him out for up to six months.
The injury curse seems to be sticking with the club, as Elphick has been ruled out until the New Year after surgery on an ankle injury that has plagued him since August.
Elphick hasn’t appeared for the club since the 3-1 loss to Norwich last month, with Cherries boss Eddie Howe telling the press of the bad news earlier on today, whilst given an update on Wilson too.
“Tommy has had surgery on his ankle and could face 10 weeks out. It could be shorter.
“He (Wilson) has had surgery on his knee and he’s in good form.
“Callum is a guy who has got a great mentality. Whether he’s playing or he’s injured, that doesn’t really change.
“He’s focused on his rehab and coming back stronger than ever. Although he faces a long recovery time, he’s in good mental shape.”
Bournemouth face the difficult task of a trip to the Etihad on Saturday to face Manchester Cuty in a 3pm kick off against the league leaders.
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