AFC Bournemouth has confirmed a significant setback for their attacking ambitions, with winger Justin Kluivert scheduled for surgery on a left knee injury that will sideline him for an extended period. The 26-year-old Dutch international sustained the injury during the Cherries’ 3-2 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on January 3, 2026.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola provided detailed but sobering context on the injury, stating, “Bad news about Justin,” in remarks to the press. The player himself requested the substitution during the match, which did not initially appear overly severe. However, the situation deteriorated overnight. “Next morning he came with a very swollen knee,” Iraola explained.
Subsequent medical assessment revealed damage to the knee capsule and patella, requiring surgical intervention scheduled for Thursday, January 8.
The club’s official statement indicated Kluivert would face “a period away from the pitch,” without providing a definitive recovery timeline. Manager Iraola clarified that the duration would depend on the surgical findings but confirmed the layoff would be substantial.
“It will be months. It can be more months or less months, depending how they approach the surgery,” Iraola said. He emphasized the injury was not ligament-related, such as an ACL or MCL tear, but nonetheless a “considerable injury” that demands a lengthy rehabilitation process.
The timing is particularly damaging for Bournemouth. The team has struggled for form, falling to 15th in the Premier League table after a promising start that saw them second just two months prior. Kluivert’s absence is compounded by other long-term injuries to key players like United States midfielder Tyler Adams and Scotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak.
Furthermore, speculation persists that fellow forward Antoine Semenyo could depart the club in the January transfer window, potentially leaving a major void in attack.
For Kluivert personally, the injury disrupts a promising phase in his career. The son of Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert, he had recently re-established himself on the international stage, returning to the Netherlands squad in November 2024 after a six-year absence and featuring in six of their successful 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
The Netherlands, which qualified as group winners, is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14, 2026. His race to regain fitness in time for the tournament in North America now appears extremely challenging.
Kluivert joined Bournemouth from Roma in the summer of 2023 and has since made 94 appearances for the club, scoring 21 Premier League goals. Known for his versatility across the forward line, his absence will force a tactical reshuffle from Iraola as Bournemouth seeks to reverse its recent slump.
“Everyone at AFC Bournemouth extends their best wishes to Justin as we look forward to seeing him back on the pitch,” the club concluded in its statement.