Bournemouth may be seating on the fitness of Nathan Aké ahead of their Premier League opener against Cardiff City. Having come off in the early part of the second half with what Howe said was a toe problem, Aké will be carefully monitored this week.
The importance of Aké isn't lost on any one. If Eddie wanted to play three at the back his preferred choice would have been to include Aké I'm sure. But if he is not available that could push Howe into playing a back four with Adam Smith Simon Francis, Steve Cook and Charlie Daniels prime candidates to carry that through.
Aké had been working well with Steve Cook and the friendly games have given the two players that chance to build that understanding. Francis has been used more in the other starting line ups and will be the ideal cover, and it probably takes one dilemma out of the question for Howe. The manager may have thought the only way he could have kept his captain in the team was to play three at the back with Aké and Cook. If preparations for Cardiff were like that they now have to reconfigured to be a back four with Aké's position in doubt.
Glasgow Rangers are now sweating on Aké being fit enough this week so that they can take Jack Simpson on loan until January.
In other news, Birmingham city are reported to be interested n taking Conor Mahoney on loan says Birmingham Live. Bournemouth are also said to have had another failed £12m bid for Brentford centre-back Chris Mepham.
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| Nathan has a race to get fit before Saturday. |
Aké had been working well with Steve Cook and the friendly games have given the two players that chance to build that understanding. Francis has been used more in the other starting line ups and will be the ideal cover, and it probably takes one dilemma out of the question for Howe. The manager may have thought the only way he could have kept his captain in the team was to play three at the back with Aké and Cook. If preparations for Cardiff were like that they now have to reconfigured to be a back four with Aké's position in doubt.
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The pleasing thing is that at least the forward line did look sharp against Marseilles and it gives time for the manager to concentrate a bit more on the defence that has not kept a clean sheet all pre-season. Tyrone Mings might suddenly be a lot closer to getting some minutes in the Premier League again if Aké is to miss a couple of games, and I have every confidence that Mings could do as good a job as Simon Francis and Steve Cook if asked to fill in.
Glasgow Rangers are now sweating on Aké being fit enough this week so that they can take Jack Simpson on loan until January.
In other news, Birmingham city are reported to be interested n taking Conor Mahoney on loan says Birmingham Live. Bournemouth are also said to have had another failed £12m bid for Brentford centre-back Chris Mepham.
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