Bournemouth striker Enes Unal has been diagnosed with a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, sustained during a training session, the club has confirmed.
The 27-year-old Turkey international joined the Cherries permanently from Getafe on a four-year deal last summer, following an initial loan move in January.
Unal, who has featured in 17 matches this season and scored two goals, suffered the injury during a routine drill on Tuesday.
His absence adds to Bournemouth’s injury woes, as the club’s record signing, Brazilian forward Evanilson, is also sidelined after undergoing surgery for a broken foot.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with Enes at this moment as he begins to process another significant period of rehabilitation ahead,” the club said in a statement.
“He will undergo surgery to repair the ligament in the coming days and the club’s medical and performance staff will support him in every way possible throughout.”
This marks the second time Enes Unal has faced a significant layoff due to an ACL injury, having previously suffered a similar setback while at Getafe, which sidelined him for the first half of the 2023-24 La Liga season.
The absence of Unal, alongside record signing Evanilson, poses a challenge to Bournemouth’s aspirations for European qualification this season.
The Cherries, currently seventh in the Premier League table and just three points off the top four, set a new club record of eight consecutive unbeaten league games with their 1-0 victory over Everton last weekend.
In response to their injury concerns, Bournemouth announced on Wednesday that striker Daniel Jebbison has been recalled from his loan spell at Watford.
The 21-year-old, who joined Bournemouth from Sheffield United last summer, had failed to score in 13 Championship appearances for the Hornets.
He previously featured as a substitute in Bournemouth’s first two Premier League games before his loan move.