EPL

Marcus Tavernier still missing for Bournemouth ahead of Palace clash

By Sports Desk May 12, 2023

Bournemouth will still be without Marcus Tavernier for the visit to Crystal Palace.

Tavernier picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Southampton and is not yet fit, but Kieffer Moore returns to the squad after he was unavailable for last week’s defeat to Chelsea due to concussion protocols.

Boss Gary O’Neil said on the club’s official website: “Marcus Tavernier is still out for this one, as is Hamed Traore.

“We are very hopeful that we will see Traore before the end of the season. Elsewhere the rest of the squad are in a good place and they’re available.

“Kieffer Moore is back as well after his concussion protocol, he’s come off the bench recently and he gives us another outlet so I’m pleased to have Kieffer back.”

Bournemouth travel to Selhurst Park knowing they are safe from relegation following an impressive run.

Their opponents are also no longer in danger following the return of Roy Hodgson, who, according to O’Neil, has “got a real good tune out of them”.

“Fantastic players, real individual talent in there,” he said.

“You look at the attacking threat they have, not only on the top line, but from the midfielders as well as (Jeffrey) Schlupp, (Wilfried) Zaha, (Michael) Olise.

“(Cheick) Doucoure has been excellent as a sort of holding midfielder since he’s come in there.

“They have some really good players like the centre-back pairing as well of (Joachim) Andersen and (Marc) Guehi. They’re a good side.

“Roy’s obviously gone in there, managed to freshen things up a little bit.

“Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes, he knows the group well, as well, from when he was there before and has managed to get a real good tune out of them.

“We’ll be in for a tough afternoon. Selhurst Park is never an easy place to go.

“Always an intense atmosphere, but, yeah, a good opportunity for us to win another game of football, hopefully and push onwards up the league.”

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