AFCB on right-back lookout

Now that it is apparent that Simon Francis is out of action for some six to nine months, there is an even bigger need to find a new right back. While Jordan I've or Ryan Fraser could fill in, they would not be a permanent solution and playing three at the back for most games is not going to offer enough flexibility.

To have Francis and Adam Smith out for a long period is a major blow to AFCB's hopes.

So I'd imagine that Bournemouth are already scouring the Championship, Europe and perhaps further afield for a right-back. Picking an experienced British player would be ideal, or a young international who needs more first team football in the Premier League. There won't be many around and even fewer with an acceptable price.

Let's look at some top right backs in the Championship, just for an example. How eager would Leeds Utd be at releasing Luke Ayling, or Norwich City allowing Ivo Pinto to leave their club when they are chasing promotion? AFCB will have to pay silly money even for a loan deal, but finding a top club willing to sell will be a challenge.

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Bournemouth's record of cruciate ligament injuries is something that perhaps needs to be looked at in greater depth. Too many players have sustained these injuries now and the training or repetitions that players are doing might be making them more susceptible to picking up such injuries. While every injury is unique to that player, we can't deny AFCB have had more than their fair share of cruciate ligament breaks.

Whatever the reasons for the mounting injuries, replacements will be needed and this is where we will see if AFCB's scouting system has become one of the best in the Premier League.

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