HEAD coach Andoni Iraola says Cherries will have to manage striker Dominic Solanke as the striker plays through the pain barrier.

Cherries’ talisman Solanke has been playing with a niggling knee issue since the turn of the new year.

After missing Cherries’ FA Cup exit at the hands of Leicester City last midweek, Solanke returned to lead the line during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Burnley, playing 89 minutes.

However, the injury is still plaguing the one-time England international ahead of Cherries’ clash with Sheffield United tomorrow (3pm).

Much like for a time during last season, Solanke is not regularly training at current.

Iraola explained: “Dom this week has been quite similar to last week, he hasn’t trained fully with the team.

“We are trying to put him in the best positions to play tomorrow.

“He will train normal this evening, an from his feelings, we will take the decision, like we did the past week.”

Asked if Solanke’s issue could be resolved with simple rest or would require surgery, Iraola replied: “I really don’t know.

“I wish I knew the solution. But he has pain.

“He is playing through pain. Sometimes it is better, sometimes it is worse.

“We are trying to manage it in these two games we have, try and not put too much training on him.

“But it is true that it is affecting him.

“We hope he can play as many minutes as he can, but it is something we are dealing with.”