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.
