Andoni Iraola
Enes Unal’s recent participation in a development squad match against QPR marks a significant step in his recovery journey from an ACL tear and subsequent surgery earlier this year. The forward played the first half for Alan Connell’s side, showcasing his progress as he aims to regain full fitness and secure a spot in Bournemouth’s first team. Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed that Unal is now training regularly with the Cherries’ first team, focusing on building his form to make a competitive return.
Andoni Iraola said: “It’s a big boost. It’s a big boost for him personally and most importantly, I think has been a long process for him. At the end we are talking about nine months. He sees now that he can train with the teammates normally. We are treating him now like a normal player in the sense that we are not limiting minutes in training and he’s one more. And I think even you can feel in the teammates because they’ve seen how much it has taken Enes and how much he has worked not to be again here. And even when he scores in a training drill or whatever, everyone I think is okay, he’s here again, it’s good.”
Iraola further explained: “With Enes now it’s about winning the form, winning the rhythm of the teammates. I think from the injury side, everyone is confident we are training him this week has trained normally. He played 45 minutes and from there he has trained normally. Now it’s a matter of winning the form, winning the training. Like it happens, especially with long injuries. But we are not aware or worried about the injury, it’s about when we see him ready to play.”
When asked about Unal’s potential to feature on the bench, Iraola said: “I think he could be an option. The problem for me is that I have a lot of players and the bench is not that cheap. You know, I have more than 20, definitely. And everyone is fighting and training and if they don’t start to be on the bench and be an option. So now it’s a matter of me taking the decision now because we have more than 20 players training and like I suppose happens with Forest, happens with a lot of teams.”
Unal’s return is a testament to his determination and hard work over the past nine months. His ability to train without restrictions is a positive sign for both the player and the team. As Unal continues to regain his form and rhythm, the focus remains on integrating him back into competitive matches. However, with a squad depth that presents its own challenges, Iraola must carefully manage his options to ensure Unal’s successful reintegration. The forward’s progress will be closely monitored as he aims to contribute to Bournemouth’s campaign.
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