Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara ruled out of Aston Villa clash as Bournemouth chase European spot

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that forward Dango Ouattara will miss this weekend’s crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa as the Cherries push for a European qualification spot.

The match, which pits seventh against eighth, carries significant implications for both teams as the season nears its conclusion.

Ouattara, a key figure in Bournemouth’s attack, has been ruled out with a muscle injury.

The Burkina Faso international, who has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 32 top-flight games this season, suffered the setback in the Cherries’ 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend – their first-ever away victory against the Gunners.

“Dango is out,” Iraola confirmed. “It’s probably not very long term but we are talking about three games remaining, so I really don’t expect him for these three games.”

The Bournemouth boss expressed his disappointment at losing Ouattara at such a crucial stage, saying, “It’s a shame because I think he was in a great moment – physically and good work rate – but these things happen.”

Iraola also provided an update on other absentees, confirming that Ryan Christie, Enes Ünal, and Luis Sinisterra will also remain unavailable for the Villa clash.