AFC Bournemouth and United States men's national team midfielder Tyler Adams is facing another period of recovery after undergoing back surgery, as confirmed by Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. The midfielder had been dealing with a back injury towards the end of the season and opted to have surgery shortly after the conclusion of the Copa America tournament.
Adams, who joined Bournemouth from Leeds United last August, has had a challenging time with injuries since his transfer. He made limited appearances for the Cherries last season due to a right hamstring surgery in October. The recent back surgery is expected to keep him out of action for an extended period, with no specific timeline provided for his return.
The decision for Adams to participate in the Copa America was not within Bournemouth's control, as national teams have the authority to select players for international competitions. Despite being on a minutes restriction during the tournament, Adams played a total of 180 minutes across three matches, including a full 90-minute outing against Uruguay.
Following the surgery, Adams is unlikely to be fit for the start of the upcoming season, with a potential return in September or October. This setback could also rule him out of the USMNT friendlies against Canada and New Zealand in the September international window, which may coincide with the appointment of a new USMNT manager following Gregg Berhalter's departure.
Adams had expressed his desire to build up his fitness during the Copa America to ensure he was in optimal condition for the upcoming season. However, the persistent back issue led to the decision for surgical intervention to address the ongoing discomfort and limitations he was experiencing.
As Adams embarks on another recovery journey, Bournemouth will have to navigate their preseason preparations and early fixtures without the influential midfielder. The club will be monitoring his progress closely as they aim for a successful campaign in the upcoming season.