AFC Bournemouth has confirmed that defender Álex Jiménez will not be part of the squad for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Fulham. The decision comes as the club conducts an investigation into social media posts involving the player.
The club released a statement on Friday acknowledging the situation. They emphasized their awareness of the posts circulating online and stated that the matter's seriousness is being thoroughly examined. Consequently, Jiménez has been stood down from the matchday selection for the Saturday game at Craven Cottage.
This omission marks a significant change for the team, as Jiménez has been a regular feature in the Bournemouth lineup this season. The right-back has made 32 appearances for the Cherries and had started their last five Premier League matches, establishing himself as a consistent presence in the backline.
The Spanish defender recently celebrated his 21st birthday on Friday. His journey to the south coast club saw him join from Italian giants AC Milan in a deal reported to be worth £17 million during the February transfer window. He signed a long-term contract, committing his future to Bournemouth for five and a half years.
Prior to his move to England, Jiménez had a notable career path. He spent a decade developing within the renowned youth academy of Real Madrid before making a switch to Serie A with Milan in 2024. His rapid progression and subsequent Premier League move highlighted his potential.
The nature of the social media posts under investigation has not been disclosed by the club. Bournemouth has indicated that they will not be making any further comments on the matter while the inquiry is ongoing. The focus now shifts to how the team will adjust their defensive setup for the crucial away match against Fulham.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.
