Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has concerns over defender Charlie Daniels after he picked up another serious looking knee injury against Manchester City. Wing-back Daniels has just returned from a long-term knee injury but it is now feared he could be looking at another lengthy spell on the sidelines after he was carried off on a stretcher during Sunday’s 3-1 defeat.
Speaking after the game, Howe could not say too much as they do not know the full extent of the damage just yet, but the Cherries boss was not holding out too much hope, and fears his player has suffered another serious one. “I know it’s potentially serious,” said Howe. “To see a player go off on a stretcher like that in the amount of pain that he was you fear for the worst. “Until we get a proper diagnosis, it’s difficult to give you definites but we’re concerned for him.”
Everyone will now be keeping their fingers crossed for good news in the coming days, but there are fears his season could be over.
With regards the game itself, Howe felt his side caused City plenty of problems, and was frustrated that they could not take more of the chances they created.
Sergio Aguero’s opener and Raheem Sterling’s 11th goal in 10 appearances put City in control before substitute Harry Wilson gave the hosts hope by making it 2-1 with a stunning 25-yard free-kick in first-half stoppage time.
The Cherries had numerous other chances, with Adam Smith and Callum Wilson among those thwarted by Ederson, before Aguero made the points safe.
How rued all the missed chances but could not fault his players for the effort they put in, and believes there were signs of improvement against Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side. “We did have our chances and that’s the frustrating thing today,” he said. “Compare this game to our previous encounters against Manchester City, I think that’s the most we’ve created by a long way. I thought we were a constant menace to them. “The lads left everything on the pitch, which is all I can ask of them. We’re frustrated to lose, of course, but a lot of positives to take.”
Next up for Howe’s men is a tough looking trip to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City, who have started the season brightly.
The Cherries can take plenty of heart from the City game as they head north but will be keeping everything crossed for good news regards Daniels.
