Bournemouth's preparations for the upcoming season have been hit by the news that forward Junior Kroupi will be out of action for an estimated three to four months. The French prospect sustained a foot injury during the Cherries' pre-season tour of Austria and has since undergone successful surgery.
This setback means Kroupi will miss the beginning of Bournemouth's maiden Europa League campaign. The 20-year-old was a key player last season, scoring 13 goals as the club secured continental football for the first time by finishing sixth.
Despite interest from clubs including Premier League rivals Tottenham and Arsenal, Bournemouth has maintained that Kroupi is not for sale this summer. The south-coast club remains committed to retaining Kroupi for new boss Marco Rose's inaugural campaign at Vitality Stadium.