Leeds United get potential boost v Bournemouth as Marcus Tavernier suffers muscle injury
Leeds United have been handed a major boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Sunday [30 April] as Marcus Tavernier has suffered a muscle injury.
The Whites will be looking to claim their first league win in five games and move four points clear of the drop zone when they take on a Cherries side who have all but confirmed their own Premier League status for next season.
And ahead of the game, Leeds have potentially been handed a much-needed boost ahead of the game as the Bournemouth boss confirmed that key player Tavernier picked up a muscle injury in their 1-0 win over Southampton on Thursday meaning he may miss Sunday’s game at the Vitality Stadium.
Injury expert Ben Dinnery took to his personal Twitter account to relay O’Neil’s comments [28 April] from his press conference on Friday afternoon.
He tweeted: “Matias Vina and Marcos were both struggling with cramps, while Marcus Tavernier was forced off with a muscle issue. ‘He felt his hamstring. No idea how serious. That was the only downside, maybe losing Tav for the weekend, but we’ll check him.’
“Jack Stephens is available.”
Must-win game
It was such a pivotal result for O’Neil and his men as they all but confirmed their Premier League status for next season after a 1-0 win over their South Coast rivals Southampton on Thursday.
And they had Tavernier to thank who came up with his customary winning goal as he has done for much of the campaign, but his latest muscle injury comes as a major blow for the Cherries and a huge boost for Leeds United.
The 24-year-old has been excellent for Bournemouth this season, registering five goals and four assists from 23 Premier League games and all of his goals have come in crucial wins for the South Coast outfit meaning they will miss his decisive influence which will be pleasing news for Javi Gracia.
Given the sorry plight Leeds United find themselves in right now, Gracia and his men will take any pleasing news they can get right now and Tavernier’s update is certainly one of them.
It is now last chance saloon for Leeds United as another defeat could well see them drop down into the relegation spots should other results go against them.
Considering their torrid form and performance levels right now, the Leeds United support could well be in for another difficult trip to the South Coast.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have confirmed they want a new version of one under-fire senior player in an official update.