If Zemura is injured, who comes in? An overview of Parker's left-back options

Whilst the Zimbabwean international issued a positive update on social media, no timeframe has been placed on his return – leaving to multiple fans to speculate who should occupy the left-back position in his absence.

Part of the 22-year-old’s impressive performances have been his attacking displays, with a partnership formed with Jaidon Anthony in the academy proving fruitful at a senior level.

At times it appears the pair have a telepathic understanding on the pitch, with multiple chances created down the left-hand flank.

In one such example against Bristol City, Zemura picks up the ball in a seemingly innocent position, before suddenly exploding behind the Robins’ backline and creating a decent chance for Philip Billing.

After receiving possession, Zemura bolts forward and moves the ball to Anthony. Dallying on the ball briefly to allow Zemura to get into position, Anthony then lifts the ball over the top for his left-flank partner.

Most attackers at this point would hurtle into the box, but Anthony realises that with his left-back high-up the field, Cherries could be hit hard on the break, causing him to hold his position.

Meanwhile, Zemura has spotted the arriving Billing, pulling the ball back for the Dane, who sends the ball narrowly past the far post.

As you can see with that above example, Zemura is a big part of how Cherries attack – but how do you replace that?

The sensible option

It feels a bit strange to reflect on the start of the season and remember that the emergence of Zemura was a rapid and unexpected one.

Parker has made multiple comments about how impressed he has been with Mark Travers, Zemura and Anthony, referring to how they have come through a Category Three academy to become Championship regulars.

When Leif Davis arrived on loan from Premier League Leeds, it appeared that Cherries had found their starting left-back for the campaign.

However, Davis, a promising youngster himself, struggled to outperform Zemura, who deservedly held on to his first-team berth.

Like Brady, Davis was used all over the pitch when he first arrived on the south coast.

Under Marcelo Bielsa, Davis was used sparingly, but received an education on bombing forward at every opportunity.

Whilst his average position and stats do not imply that he has been as attack-minded compared to Zemura, Davis does appear to be slightly more solid defensively.

Against a Middlesbrough side keen to commit bodies forward, a slightly more defensive option – that is still more than suited at getting forward – could prove wise.

Davis has not featured in a game for Cherries since coming off injured in the win over Derby, but it appears the former Morecambe youngster is fit and available.

The reliable option

Adam Smith is no stranger to the left-back position during his stint with Cherries. Like Brady, Smith has been deployed on either flank in multiple positions, but for the most part, the right-back spot at the Vitality Stadium has belonged to the former Tottenham man.

Over the years he has been deployed at left-back usually out of necessity rather than choice, but Parker has turned to Smith once this campaign to operate on the left – in the 1-1 draw with Fulham, which proved to be his last game for two months as he battled back from injury.

Reliable and one to rarely put a foot wrong, moving Smith to the opposite side of the pitch would allow Jack Stacey to return to the side.

Cherries are slightly asymmetrical in their attacking play, with Smith usually sitting slightly deeper when Zemura marauds forward on the left flank.

Be that by either tactical design or stemming from a slightly more subdued approach, Smith still certainly likes to get forward, and is adept at linking up with Ryan Christie down that side.

But so is Stacey - meaning that whilst Zemura may be harder to replace, Smith being moved away from right-back wouldn't cause Parker massive headaches.

Christie and Stacey have both publicly praised each other and the connection they share, suggesting that the opportunity to reunite the duo on the right wing could prove tempting to Parker.

The surprise option

Captain Lloyd Kelly has become a rock in Parker’s gameplan, with Cherries' head coach tasking the Bristol-born 23-year-old with constructing the side’s attack from the back.

Whilst Kelly is no stranger to the position, having most recently been deployed as a left-back under Jonathan Woodgate last campaign, it is for that reason alone it appears extremely unlikely that Kelly will be shuffled across to full-back, with Parker clearly designating Kelly and Nat Phillips as his starting centre-back duo.

That being said, Kelly’s numbers across the 2020/21 season strike a similar resemblance to Zemura’s stats from his breakthrough campaign this year.

The absence of Zemura is an issue, but not quite the full-blown crisis that would require Parker to shunt Kelly out on to the left-flank.

The attacking option

Cherries fans have yet to see much of Robbie Brady since his arrival from free agency back in October.

The former Manchester United youngster offers any squad versatility thanks to his ability to operate on either flank as either a full-back or winger – when he is fit.

Unfortunately for the Irishman, the last few season have been blighted by numerous injuries, a trend continuing to his stint on the south coast.

Even in his brief cameo appearances for Cherries he has not consistently operated at left-back – but that is largely due to the fact most of his minutes have come off the bench.

The biggest question mark over the inclusion of Brady is whether he can last 90 minutes after numerous set-backs and niggles.

However, it could be telling that Parker included the 30-year-old at the first possible opportunity after his return to fitness, with Brady coming on to replace Zemura away at Sheffield United.

Who do you think should come into the side for Friday's game? Let us know in the comments.