Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is set for an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing back surgery.
The USA international, who joined the Cherries from Leeds in a deal exceeding £20 million last summer, had an injury-ridden debut season, limiting him to just four Premier League appearances.
Despite his struggles, Adams represented the USA at the Copa America. Bournemouth had advised the USA staff to manage Adams carefully, but he ended up playing in all three group matches and a pre-tournament friendly against Brazil, including the full 90 minutes of the final group game against Uruguay. Unfortunately, the USA exited the competition earlier than anticipated.
Cherries’ manager Andoni Iraola explained that Adams aggravated a back issue that had started towards the end of the domestic season, necessitating surgery as the only viable solution.
“He finished the season with an injury in his back,” Iraola stated. “He wanted to play in the Copa America because it was very important for him, but he had restrictions and was still in pain. Two days after they were knocked out, he had surgery.”
The timeline for Adams’ return remains uncertain. “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. September? October? I don’t know,” Iraola added.
When questioned about Bournemouth’s decision not to prevent Adams from participating in international duty, Iraola clarified, “It was not our choice. It is a decision for the nations, who are allowed to select players, and he wanted to play, thinking the injury would get better, but he felt it was getting worse.”
Adams has commenced his rehabilitation and is accompanying Bournemouth on their tour of California, which includes fixtures against Wrexham in Santa Barbara (00:00 BST on Sunday) and Arsenal in Carson (03:30 BST on Thursday).