Overview
- Ruben Amorim said Benjamin Sesko will be assessed over the final two training sessions after a bout of food poisoning created fresh doubt over his availability.
- Sesko has not played since suffering a knee injury against Tottenham in early November.
- Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt have been ruled out of the Bournemouth match, with De Ligt dealing with back pain the club will not risk.
- Amorim has reshaped his attack during Sesko’s absence, using Matheus Cunha through the middle at times and bringing Joshua Zirkzee back into contention.
- Pressure on the forward line is set to rise during a congested festive run as Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, even as league results have recently improved.