Man City vs Bournemouth: Scott Parker gives updates on four players with new signing ‘to be involved’

Scott Parker has said Bournemouth’s new signings have settled in well ahead of the Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend.

The Cherries brought in goalkeeper Neto from Barcelona at the end of last week and confirmed the arrival of Marcos Senesi on Monday.

Both could be involved when Parker brings his side to Manchester on Saturday, and the former midfielder confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Sensi will feature in some sense.

“He’s come off a bit of a slow week, in terms of last week, because of the transfer and this week we’ve progressed him slowly,” Parker told the media. “We don’t want to rush him in but for sure, he’s going to be involved.”

Asked how the pair have got on this week, the 41-year-old said: “They’ve been very good; I’ve been very pleased. It’s difficult when you come in from different countries, environments and cultures.

“I’m conscious of how players settle in, and it can sometimes be quite daunting and pretty difficult, but I think this is an easy environment to come into.

“It’s a young and dynamic squad and I think both boys, certainly from what I’m seeing, have shown no effects of the difficulties. In fact, it’s probably the opposite.

“Both boys have hit the ground running, albeit without a lot of training time with us, but I definitely feel comfortable in where they currently are.”

Two still missing

While Parker seemed to imply Neto and Sensi could start against City, he had less positive news on two other summer signings.

Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell moved to the Cherries but missed the season-opener against Aston Villa last week through injury.

Speaking on Friday, Parker explained the niggles will prevent them playing at the Etihad.

“Ryan’s come on a little bit, he’s out on the grass with us and he’s pushing ahead in the right direction,” he said. “He’s probably a few weeks away from being fully integrated into training.

“Joe’s a little bit behind that and is still not out on the grass at this moment in time. He’s progressing in the right way but given where his injury was, this is where he currently is. They’ll both miss the weekend.”