Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has provided an update on Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert's fitness ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The Cherries' hopes of securing European football have been dented by a poor run of form that has seen them collect one point from their last five Premier League matches.
Bournemouth would have been particularly disappointed to lose 2-1 in Tuesday's home meeting with relegation-threatened Ipswich Town.
Christie started the midweek defeat at the Vitality Stadium before he was replaced by Marcos Senesi shortly before the hour mark.
However, the Scotland international will not feature in Saturday's game against the Hammers due to a persistent injury issue.
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Iraola makes Christie surgery admission
Iraola has also explained that there is a possibility Christie could undergo surgery, with a view to returning to fitness for the start of next term.
"Christie is going to be out," Iraola told reporters in Friday's pre-match press conference. "Ryan's situation is worrying because he has been dealing with a groin issue, the pubis, the abductor, a little bit of everything since the beginning of the season.
"He's so honest, and he wants to push, even with pain he has been playing, and he's played very well for a lot of time. I think it's a moment where his body is telling him that maybe it's time.
"We are trying to go with him until the end of the season but the other day, against Brighton, there were moments where he felt he couldn't anymore.
"That's probably something that we have to analyse, there is a chance we decide that he should have the surgery now, recover, take his time and be ready for next season.
"It's not something that we've decided, but it's a situation that we have to analyse well because I think his body is telling him he's pushed it a lot."
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Iraola delivers Kluivert update
Iraola also revealed that Kluivert remains a major doubt for Sunday's away trip after missing the defeat to Ipswich on Tuesday.
"Justin is also going to be difficult," Iraola said. "We'll see today if he can train with us and help us from the bench at least, but he feels tight, so it's difficult."
The Cherries are also without the services of Marcus Tavernier, Luis Sinisterra and Enes Unal due to their respective injury issues.
In more positive news, Iraola expects full-back Julian Araujo to be fit to feature in his first matchday squad since featuring as a late substitute in a 3-2 loss to Brentford in November.
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