Christian Atsu yet to recover from back injury as he misses Bournemouth's last pre-season game at Hoffenheim

By El Akyereko Frimpong

Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Ghana ace Christian Atsu could miss out on Bournemouth's Premier League opener as he could not recover in time from a back injury to play in the Cherries last pre-season game before the start of the new campaign. 

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was hoping for the return of the 23-year-old for his side's last pre-season game in Germany but he could not gain match fitness as he missed out of the squad that held German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim to a 0-0 stalemate.

Atsu had to undergo further medical test on Wednesday to fully appreciate the full extent of his back injury and was understood to be ready for the last pre-season game.

But as it turned out Atsu was not included in the Cherries squad as he was left out to work on his full recovery.

Bournemouth will open their Premier League campaign with a home test against Jordan Ayew's Aston Villa.