Ethan Laird won’t make Bournemouth debut until next month, claims Parker

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Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird will have to wait until next month to make his debut for Bournemouth as he continues to nurse an injury.

The full-back has been struggling with an “unspecified knock” since arriving at the Cherries earlier this month.

Although the 20-year-old did pick up a thigh injury in his last appearance for Swansea City, against Nottingham Forest on December 11.

Laird hasn’t played since then and was once again not ready to feature in yesterday’s clash against Hull City.

Scott Parker said Laird wasn’t in “contention” for the match against the Tigers.

Speaking to the BournemouthEcho, Parker said: “I’m not sure he’ll be in contention for the next game (Barnsley) as well. Just treading a little bit carefully there.

“He’s not with the team, but he is on the grass and he’s doing his work. Now we’ll just build him up.

“I don’t want to take any huge risks with him. Want to get him to a level and get him right.

“Obviously it’s going to be an important back-end of the season now, so we’re just treading a little bit carefully on that.”

Parker is understandably being cautious with Laird and doesn’t want to run the risk of a reoccurring injury.

But the Cherries need a boost after a sloppy start to the new year. Aside from an FA Cup win against Yeovil Town, Parker’s side have lost both of their Championship matches in 2022.

As a result, they now find themselves eight points behind leaders Fulham and are only ahead of third-placed Blackburn Rovers courtesy of goal difference.

They travel to bottom of the table Barnsley on Saturday where Parker will be hoping his side can rediscover their winning touch.

All being well, Ethan Laird’s debut could come the following week against Vanarama National League side Boreham Wood.

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