Bournemouth, September 20, 2025 – Andoni Iraola is smiling wider than a Vitality Stadium goalmouth after confirming that key duo Ryan Christie and Bafode Diakite are back in contention for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Newcastle United. The Cherries, riding high on three straight wins, could welcome the pair back just in time to test Eddie Howe's Magpies in a battle of mid-table momentum.
Christie, the Scottish midfield engine who missed last weekend's gritty 2-1 victory over Brighton due to a knock, has trained fully this week without issues. "Ryan is training well, no problems," Iraola revealed in his pre-match presser. Diakite, the 24-year-old French center-back sidelined by lingering soreness from the Spurs win, is also on the mend—though not quite at peak sharpness. "Bafode is training; I'd expect him to be available, but not 100%," the Basque boss added cautiously. Their returns hand Iraola a selection headache in the engine room, with Alex Scott and Tyler Adams already impressing.
The news tempers longer-term absences: forward Enes Unal continues his knee rehab, while veteran Adam Smith nurses a hamstring tweak that rules him out for a second straight game. Bournemouth's form—including shutouts against Wolves and Spurs—has Iraola eyeing a "physically demanding" clash with Newcastle, whose high-pressing style mirrors the Cherries'. "It's a good challenge," he noted, praising Newcastle's Evanilson as a "threat in behind" after the Brazilian's penalty prowess.
With Leeds and Fulham looming post-Newcastle, these returns could solidify Bournemouth's top-half push. Iraola's men sit eighth, unbeaten in four, and a win would cap a dream September.
The news tempers longer-term absences: forward Enes Unal continues his knee rehab, while veteran Adam Smith nurses a hamstring tweak that rules him out for a second straight game. Bournemouth's form—including shutouts against Wolves and Spurs—has Iraola eyeing a "physically demanding" clash with Newcastle, whose high-pressing style mirrors the Cherries'. "It's a good challenge," he noted, praising Newcastle's Evanilson as a "threat in behind" after the Brazilian's penalty prowess.
With Leeds and Fulham looming post-Newcastle, these returns could solidify Bournemouth's top-half push. Iraola's men sit eighth, unbeaten in four, and a win would cap a dream September.
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