Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is set for an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing back surgery. Adams, who joined Bournemouth from Leeds in a deal worth over £20m last summer, had a difficult debut season with the Cherries due to injuries, limiting him to just four Premier League appearances. Despite his injury troubles, Adams still represented the USA at the Copa America, with Bournemouth advising caution to the national team staff regarding his fitness.
During the tournament, Adams played in all three group games and a pre-tournament friendly against Brazil, including the full 90 minutes of the final match against Uruguay. However, his back issue worsened, and he required surgery shortly after the USA’s exit from the competition. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola explained that Adams had been dealing with a back problem since the end of the domestic campaign, and surgery was the only solution.
“He finished the season with an injury in his back,” said Iraola. “He wanted to play Copa America because it was very important for him, but he had restrictions and was still in pain, so two days after they were knocked out, he had surgery. He is out for some time. It is difficult to say how long, but he won’t be fit for the start of the season. But September? October? I don’t know.”
When questioned about why Bournemouth did not prevent Adams from going on international duty, Iraola stated that it was not within their control as the decision rested with the national team. Adams believed that playing for his country would improve his injury but unfortunately, it worsened instead.
Despite Adams’ setback, there is some positive news for Bournemouth as their star striker Dominic Solanke remains with the club. Solanke, who had an impressive season with 21 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League, has been linked with a potential move due to a reported £65m release clause in his contract. However, Iraola expressed his desire to keep Solanke, highlighting his good form and positive relationship with his teammates.
“Dom is happy,” said Iraola. “He has come back in very good shape, is training very well, and the relationship he has with his teammates is very good. But the market is open. You cannot say he is going to stay or that he is going to leave because we don’t know. In the end, it is something you cannot control.”
As Bournemouth continues their pre-season preparations with matches against Wrexham and Arsenal in California, Adams has already begun his rehabilitation and is accompanying the team on their tour. The exact timeline for his return remains uncertain, but Bournemouth will be without his services at the start of the season. Nonetheless, Adams’ surgery and Solanke’s potential departure are factors that could impact Bournemouth’s prospects for the upcoming Premier League campaign.