Bournemouth recall Premier League record-breaker from loan as injury crisis hits ahead of Chelsea clash

AFC Bournemouth have recalled striker Daniel Jebbison from his loan spell at Watford amid somewhat of a forward injury crisis ahead of the upcoming Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Andoni Iraola is set to be without Brazilian talisman Evanilson, who has five top flight goals this season, after the forward underwent surgery on a broken metatarsal following the win over Everton last weekend. Evanilson is now set for a spell on the sidelines after an update provided by the club this week.

The Cherries are also without striker Enes Unal after the forward suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a training session. Both Unal and Evanilson only arrived at the club permanently last summer, the former from Getafe and the latter from Porto.

AFC Bournemouth face injury crisis ahead of Chelsea fixture

Those injuries have left Iraola short of options up front ahead of this weekend's FA Cup fixture against West Brom at the Vitality Stadium and Tuesday's trip to Stamford Bridge. As a result, AFC Bournemouth have brought Jebbison back to the club, ending his stay at Watford early.

The former Sheffield United man also arrived at the south coast side last summer, putting pen to paper at Bournemouth on a £1.5 million transfer from the Blades. Not part of Iraola's immediate plans for the Premier League season, he was then sent on loan to Vicarage Road.

The 21-year-old made 13 appearances for Warford in the second tier this term but started just three matches and failed to score a single loan. Hornets boss Tom Cleverley told the club website: "Jebbo's career isn't going to be defined by this tough experience for him. The loan hasn't gone as well as anyone would have wished, but that doesn't mean there needs to be any resentment left to linger.

“We wish Jebbo well back at Bournemouth while we consider our next move.”

Jebbison breaks Premier League record

Jebbison signed a four-year deal with AFC Bournemouth last summer and was praised by club chief executive Neill Blake at the time. Blake said: "We're very pleased to have Daniel sign a long-term deal with us. He has many promising attributes and has already provided some memorable moments in his young career so far."

The striker joined Sheffield United in 2018 and became the youngest player ever to score on their first Premier League start at the age of 17 years and 309 days when netting against Everton. He had previously helped the Blades earn automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2023 but made just one appearance last season as the club was relegated to the second tier once again due to injury.

It remains to be seen how Iraola chooses to line up against Chelsea next week amid the injuries to his main strikers. 18-year-old Remy Rees-Dottin has been on the bench for Bournemouth against Fulham and Everton in recent weeks but is certainly a less experienced alternative to Jebbison. Iraola could also turn to attacking midfielders Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert or Dango Ouattara to lead the line against the Blues.