Iraola admits replacing departing forward Semenyo 'almost impossible'

Semenyo is set to sign for Man City
Semenyo is set to sign for Man CityČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Graham Hunt

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has opened up on the club's future without Antoine Semenyo ahead of this week's clash with Tottenham.

Eleven games without a win is Bournemouth's longest-ever in a single top-flight season and they now travel to North London to face a Tottenham side who have won just two out of their last 11 Premier League matches. 

Semenyo cannot be replaced

This may be the final game for Semenyo as he prepares to make the move to Manchester City over the next few weeks. The move makes life difficult for Iraola, who will look to get the most out of him against Spurs. 

"I don't know what’s going to happen tomorrow or the next two, three days, but I’ve asked before coming here just to tell me, otherwise I will look foolish there talking about Antoine and then (he leaves). And that’s the situation in this moment of the day.

"I think it could be the last game. That is my personal opinion, but there is nothing agreed and nothing signed. 

"It is my personal opinion, as I understand the market and the noise, but there is nothing agreed right now. 

"He is our player and I hope it continues." 

Iraola added that Semenyo is "almost impossible to replace". 

Christie will not return

Lastly, Iraola provided some team news as Ryan Christie, who has also been dealing with a knee problem, will not be available to face Tottenham.

“I don’t think he’s going to be back tomorrow. It’s a matter of feeling with him,” he said, when asked about the Scotland international.

“When he tells us, ‘Okay, I feel better, I don’t feel pain when I hit the ball’. He is running and sprinting no problem, but he still has some issues kicking the ball.

“We still need a little bit more time with him.”

Bournemouth could now complete their first-ever double over Tottenham after their 1-0 win back in August, thanks to a goal from Evanilson in the opening minutes.