Blow: Bournemouth have been dealing with a virus in the squad
(Picture: Getty Images)Bournemouth have been hit by a virus in the build-up to their Premier League return against Chelsea.
Gary O’Neil saw his side narrowly beaten by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night after Adam Smith put through his own net.
The Cherries boss admitted preparations for their domestic return had been hampered by a virus spreading around his squad, with some players missing up to ten days of training.
"We’ve had a tricky last 10 days,” said O’Neil prior to the game against Newcastle.
“A real bad virus went through the group, so we’ll have to make a few last-minute calls on a few. The boys, some of them have missed real long spells with it, so up to 10 days.
“Some of them have missed training. It was a nasty one.”
Tuesday’s trip to Stamford Bridge will be Bournemouth’s first League outing since their American-led takeover.
Bill Foley, who owns NHL ice hockey franchise the Vegas Golden Knights, will be the club’s chairman, with a number of limited partners also involved in the takeover. Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan is also involved, leading a minority group in the takeover.
Chelsea, meanwhile, could be without Wesley Fofana for the game, with the defender set for a scan after being forced off through injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Brentford.
