Bournemouth have been handed yet another significant injury blow after it was confirmed that striker Enes Unal has suffered a serious knee injury. The Turkey international, who was expected to deputise in Evanilson's absence, requires surgery and is now set to miss the remainder of the season.

In a statement on the club website, Bournemouth said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with Enes at this moment as he begins to process another significant period of rehabilitation ahead.

"He will undergo surgery to repair the ligament in the coming days and the club's medical and performance staff will support him in every way possible throughout. We are all behind Enes and will provide updates on his recovery progress when appropriate."

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Unal, who arrived at the Vitality Stadium on an initial loan deal in February 2024 before making the move permanent at the end of the season, has scored some crucial goals for Bournemouth as part of their recent eight-game unbeaten run. The 27-year-old netted off the bench during that stunning comeback win at Ipswich before firing home a spectacular free-kick against West Ham last month.

But Unal is now set for a long spell on the sidelines - as is teammate Evanilson after Bournemouth announced on Tuesday morning that the Brazilian has undergone surgery on a fractured foot.

Evanilson, who joined the Cherries from Porto for a club record £40.2million from Porto in the summer, sustained the issue during their 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday. He has scored five goals in 19 appearances for Andoni Iraola's side and his absence will be a massive blow.

A club statement read: "We can confirm Evanilson has undergone a successful procedure to repair a fractured metatarsal sustained during Saturday's 1-0 win over Everton.

"Another tireless performance from the Brazilian striker, who has been instrumental in the club's recent good form, was brought to an end when he was substituted with discomfort in the final stages. Further assessment following the match revealed a broken bone that would require surgery.

"The club's medical staff will now provide Evanilson with their full support through the rehabilitation process, ensuring he has the best possible recovery. Everybody at AFC Bournemouth sends their best wishes to Eva, and we hope to see him return to the field soon."

It has been a difficult couple of days for Bournemouth after losing both strikers to long-term injuries, and this means that neither Evanilson or Unal will be available ahead of their trip to Chelsea on Tuesday.

While the Cherries could dip into the transfer market to sign a new centre forward before the clash with the Blues, using other players, including Antoine Semenyo or Justin Kluivert, up front is an option.