Speaking after the win over Liverpool, O’Neil said the Zimbabwe international’s absence was an “internal decision”.

Ahead of today’s trip to Aston Villa, Bournemouth coach Gary O’Neil insists Jordan Zemura remains in his thoughts regarding team selection but added the club has “three very capable left-backs.” He said:

I think Jordan has had a good time here, of course.

My job at the moment, I don’t get involved at all in contract situations, just purely on team selection.

As we saw, Lloyd Kelly is back fit now and can play left-back.

We’ve got a Uruguay international back available, Matias Vina, who has trained well.

So we have three very capable left-backs at the moment. So some tough decisions for me, but also positives that we have more options.

Asked if Zemura remains in his thoughts when picking his team, O’Neil added:

All of them are, always. I’ll always make an honest and what I believe to be a sensible decision around who is best to play.

Zemura arrived from Charlton Athletic in 2019 after a successful spell on trial and made his first-team debut in September 2020.

His breakthrough campaign was last season, under Scott Parker, featuring in 33 Championship matches, helping the club clinch promotion.

Bournemouth have long been trying to tie Zemura down to a longer-term contract, but no agreement has been reached, with other Premier League clubs believed to be interested in signing his services.

Jordan Zemura is reportedly earning £385 per week making him one of the lowest-paid players in the English Premier League.

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