Bournemouth and USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams is facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old recently underwent surgery and is expected to be out for approximately five months, which means he may not return to action until mid-February to mid-March.
Adams, who joined Bournemouth from Leeds United in August, made his debut for the club just last month. However, his playing time has been limited due to his previous hamstring operation and now this setback. The midfielder had been out of action for six months recovering from his previous injury before making his comeback against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup on September 27.
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iroala provided an update on Adams’ injury earlier this month, stating that he would be out for a significant period of time. While the exact details of the injury are unclear, it is believed to be related to his hamstring. This recurrence of the injury is a blow for Adams and Bournemouth, as they had high hopes for his contribution to the team this season.
Adams’ move to Bournemouth from Leeds United was a complicated one, with negotiations involving a relegation release clause. The transfer fee was reported to be around £23 million ($28 million) plus add-ons. He signed a five-year deal with the club after a proposed move to Chelsea fell through.
The midfielder has represented the USMNT on 36 occasions and even captained the team during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His absence from the national team will be felt, especially considering his leadership qualities and defensive abilities in midfield.
However, the impact of Adams’ injury on the USMNT is somewhat mitigated by their upcoming schedule. They have only one camp between now and March, which consists of the November Nations League matches. While it would be beneficial for Adams to recover and be ready for the Copa America in the summer, there is still time for him to regain his fitness and form.
In Adams’ absence, the U.S. struggled defensively in their recent match against Germany. Head coach Gregg Berhalter opted to start Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah in midfield, but Germany was able to exploit the space near the U.S. box. The importance of Adams’ presence in midfield was evident, as his defensive contributions were sorely missed.
In another match against Ghana, Berhalter made adjustments by fielding a more traditional defensive midfielder in Johnny Cardoso and bringing McKennie off the bench. This tactical change, combined with a 4-0 victory over Ghana, highlighted Adams’ significance to the U.S. team.
Overall, Adams’ injury is a setback for both Bournemouth and the USMNT. His absence will be felt on the pitch, as his defensive prowess and leadership qualities are valuable assets to any team. However, there is still hope that he can make a full recovery and contribute to both his club and national team in the future.