Bournemouth boss Parker admits not being ready for Aston Villa | OneFootball

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker admits they're not fully prepared for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.

Parker says Bournemouth must embrace the challenge of the Premier League on their return to the top flight following a two-year absence.

Parker last week warned the south-coast club are "way short of where we need to be" following a quiet summer in the transfer market and a host of departures. The former England midfielder is working hard on recruitment but does not expect any arrivals in time for the weekend.

"We're going into the biggest league in the world and we worked tirelessly last year to be in this position," he said. "We need to bring a fighting spirit and a real determination on the weekend if we want to get something out of the game.

"Us as a group of players, along with the fans, the staff, the owner and everyone else, it's something we all wanted last year and we need to embrace that."

Parker confirmed that Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell are out injured.

"Ryan picked up a calf injury when we were in Portugal (training camp) and the weekend will be too soon for him," said the Cherries' head coach.

"The same goes for Joe, which is disappointing. They're two players that we've brought in and they've both picked up knocks.

"Joe will probably be slightly longer than Ryan in terms of where he is. Ryan is moving slowly, progressing in the right way and hopefully we can get him in and around the squad over the coming weeks."

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