Sheffield United's next opponents have a huge selection headache

Sheffield United’s next opponents are facing a major dilemma ahead of their trip to Bramall Lane this weekend.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe gathers the team on the pitch for a post match briefing: Mark Kerton/PA Wire.Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe gathers the team on the pitch for a post match briefing: Mark Kerton/PA Wire.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe gathers the team on the pitch for a post match briefing: Mark Kerton/PA Wire.

AFC Bournemouth, who face Chris Wilder’s side on Sunday, will be without influential defender Jefferson Lerma after the Colombia international was dismissed during the 2-1 win over Aston Villa three days ago.

Lerma has emerged as one of Eddie Howe’s most influential players since arriving in England from Levante two years ago and, after cementing his place in front of Bournemouth’s defence, there is no obvious replacement for the 25-year-old.

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Although Howe could change his formation if Joshua King recovers from injury, Lewis Cook is likely to be tasked with shielding the visitors’ back four in South Yorkshire.

However, despite being named on stand-by for England’s 2018 World Cup squad, the York-born youngster does not possess Lerma’s experience; which leaves Howe with a big problem to solve ahead of the meeting with United.

“I think the red card changed everything,” he said, after watching Lerma collect his second caution of the match for a foul on Jack Grealish. “We felt a little bit hard done by, by that decision to be honest.”

The two clubs drew 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium on the opening weekend of the season, with Billy Sharp’s late equaliser cancelling out Chris Mepham’s opener for the hosts.

Lerma, who became the most expensive player in Bournemouth’s history when he completed a £30m move from Spain, has made 22 Premier League appearances so far this term.