Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola confirms Justin Kluivert could return to action this weekend
With Bournemouth riding high in the Premier League table and dreaming of a possible first ever Champions League entry, Andoni Iraola’s side take on Fulham on Saturday at Craven Cottage, who themselves still have a chance of sneaking into the European places.
Bournemouth under the highly-regarded Iraola finished 9th last season and currently sit 6th with three games to go. The south-coast side haven’t lost a game since Arsenal beat them 3-2 at home on January 3.
The Cherries unbeaten run since then includes victories over Liverpool and Arsenal. They also won last time out against Crystal Palace and will go into the game against Fulham high on confidence.
Kluivert back for the run in and in time for the World Cup
As they look to keep their run going and finish the season on a high and give Iraola the send-off he deserves, Bournemouth will be boosted by the return of Netherlands international Justin Kluivert. The 27-year-old underwent knee surgery and has been out for four months after getting injured in that Arsenal defeat.
Kluivert will be hoping that the final three Premier League games will give him a chance to convince Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman that he should be on the plane to America this summer for the World Cup. Kluivert, the son of Dutch legend Patrick, only has 11 caps for his national team, but has been a regular under Koeman in the last year or so.
Iraola confirms Kluivert is ready to go
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Iraola said Kluivert could feature this weekend. The Basque coach indicated he has been taking a full part in training and is in contention for a return.
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“Justin has been training with the team normally this week. I expect him to be in the squad,” said Iraola.
Iraola will be a highly-sought-after coach this summer when he leaves Bournemouth, but he is determined to go out on a high and secure European football for the Dorset side before he goes.
“Personally for me, it would be massive to get Europe,” said Iraola.
“We have to continue what we are doing. We are preparing the games as good as we can.
“I feel from the players that everyone wants to be there.”
European football would be a fitting parting gift as Iraola leaves for a new challenge this summer. The Athletic Club legend has been strongly linked with a number of Premier League clubs so he could be staying in the league, with some reports suggesting he is close to an agreement with Crystal Palace.
