116 days—that’s how long it took Tyler Adams to make his return to action. Since the final group stage match at the Copa América against Uruguay, the USMNT midfielder missed most of the first half of the season due to a back injury, finally making his comeback near the end of October. While the Bournemouth star has been active in these months since then, his surprise absence in last night’s clash against Ipswich Town did not go unnoticed. However, gaffer Andoni Iraola provided a valid—and slightly concerning—explanation.

The 25-year-old had played two consecutive 90-minute matches in the last two weeks, including an impressive 2-4 win over Wolves and a narrow victory against Tottenham Hotspur. While this seemed to suggest that Adams was free from any injury concerns, that’s apparently not the case. Even so, Adams completed the last two Premier League games right up to the referees’ final whistle. But at what cost?

In the press conference for the Ipswich clash, when Iraola was asked about Adams’ absence not just from the starting XI but also from the bench, the Spaniard explained: “Tyler has played two 90s this week already…. He finished the other day with cramps everywhere. With just a very, very short turnaround, it didn’t make any sense to take any risk with him,” as compiled by journalist Alexander Smith on X.

So more than an injury concern, it was rather a precautionary call from Iraola to not let Adams travel with the team to Portman Road. Indeed a smart approach, suggesting the Cherries’ star midfielder ended both games with cramps. Though it ignites a bit of worry, Iraola evidently opted for a pragmatic approach with Tyler, easing the midfielder back into action following his long-awaited return.

The October 19 clash against Arsenal marked the first time Adams was named on the bench since the Copa América. He finally made a brief 10-minute appearance against Aston Villa the following week. Iraola gradually increased his minutes in subsequent matches: 25 minutes against Manchester City, 67 minutes versus Brentford, and 65 minutes against Brighton.

So it was a natural call from the Bournemouth boss to rest Tyler for last night’s Premier League clash, as they eventually won 1-2 in his absence. This is something that even his national camp superiors would also agree to!

Tyler Adams deserves all the good rest for the sake of Mauricio Pochettino and Co. as well!

While step-by-step progress is necessary for Tyler Adams on the domestic front, one should consider how it also plays a role in his much-anticipated return to the USMNT camp as well. Forget playing under Mauricio Pochettino; the former Leeds United star hasn’t even met with his new national team coach. “As US boss, so I haven’t had a conversation directly with him yet,” admitted Tyler earlier.

But he did have a conversation with Pochettino’s right hand, Jesus Perez, about his return to the camp for the recent CONCACAF Nations League semifinals doubleheader vs. Jamaica, stating, “We just both said it doesn’t make sense for you to come into camp right now, and I said I couldn’t agree more.”

Even Pochettino had vouched for Tyler’s absence, stating, “I consider him a very important player for the future of this team.”  Hence, it was a crucial decision by the Argentinian not to call up Adams for last month’s clash, despite the player having returned from his injury. Until he is completely fit, we can expect Tyler Adams to receive such precautionary treatment.