Key Bournemouth duo set to miss Leeds United clash

The Cherries will hope to put an end to a poor patch of form when they take on Leeds United in LS11 this weekend.

After the departure of former manager Scott Parker prompted Bournemouth to go six successive matches without defeat, the Dorset side have subsequently lost three games on the bounce - though they came close to turning it around on Saturday, when a brace by Kieffer Moore gave the hosts a comfortable lead at the Vitality Stadium before Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to inflict a disappointing 3-2 defeat.

Bournemouth are currently without summer signing Neto, an experienced Brasilian goalkeeper who arrived on the south coast on a free from Barcelona. For his first game at the helm following Parker’s exit, Cherries interim boss Gary O’Neil replaced promotion-winning shot-stopper Mark Travers with Neto.

The 33-year-old ‘keeper kept his place until he suffered a hamstring injury away at West Ham, causing Travers to be called back into action. With O’Neil later describing Neto’s issue as ‘long term’, his second-choice Travers, who has conceded 20 goals across six Premier League appearances this term, will be in net against the Whites on Saturday.

Joining Neto on the sidelines is Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, who has been out with an ankle injury since September. According to O’Neil, it’s unclear whether or not the 24-year-old will return before the Qatar 2022 season recess - so he won’t be making an appearance at Elland Road.

Also missing from the visiting squad is midfielder David Brooks. After battling Hodgkin Lymphoma throughout Bournemouth’s promotion-winning season, the Welshman felt thigh pain as he returned for the Cherries’ Under 21s in September so is in doubt for the Leeds clash.

Meanwhile, Jesse Marsch is currently without Luis Sinisterra as the Colombian recovers from a foot issue. Leo Hjelde and Archie Gray are each doubts but could be available in time for the Cherries’ visit, while Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw remain long-term absentees.