Bournemouth squad struck with with virus ahead of Crystal Palace game with four doubts

Bournemouth will have to make late calls on a number of their players after their squad was hit by a virus just days to their crucial Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

Both teams come into the game on the back of defeats, Palace lost 3-0 to Fulham at home, a game manager Patrick Vieira described as one of the worst days in his career, while Bournemouth were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

They will all be looking forward to the weekend game to return to winning ways and even though Palace have a couple of players missing the game due to suspension, the Cherries have been hit with a virus that is threatening to swing the game entirely in the favour of the visitors.

First team coach Tommy Elphick admitted their preparation for the visit of Palace had taken a big hit after a number of their players fell ill and could not train.

He told reporters: “It’s hard to judge it really at the moment. There’s so much changing with this virus. It really has struck the squad down.

“We were as we were for the Chelsea game, so obviously a tight turnaround. We managed to get the boys back out on the grass yesterday (Thursday) and did a bit this morning (Friday) as well. So, there will be a few late calls and hopefully a few coming back as well.

Eagles manager Patrick Vieira is under a lot of pressure following the disappointing home defeat to Fulham and fans will turn the pressure on him if he can’t get something at the Vitality Stadium.