Bournemouth are investigating defender Alex Jimenez after posts involving the Spaniard circulated on social media.
The Cherries released a statement confirming that they are aware of the posts, which claim to show Jimenez exchanging inappropriate messages with an underage girl.
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The club have also confirmed that the 21-year-old will not be available for selection for Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
The statement read: “AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Alex Jimenez.
“The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.
“As a result, Alex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Fulham and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Jimenez is yet to comment on the situation publicly.
The former Real Madrid academy player initially joined Bournemouth on-loan from AC Milan last summer before his move was made permanent in February for a £16.5million fee.
The defender has started in 30 of his 31 appearances for Andoni Iraola’s men this season.
Bournemouth currently sit in sixth place with just three matches remaining.
The Cherries are closing in on European qualification with entry into next season’s Champions League a real possibility.
Iraola’s side take on Fulham on Saturday before welcoming title-chasing Manchester City to the Vitality Stadium next Tuesday,
Bournemouth travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday to take on Fulham, before concluding their home campaign with a fixture against Manchester City next Tuesday.
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And they can wrap up a first venture into European club competition on the final day of the season at Nottingham Forest.
Despite their potential heroics, it will be a season of change on the south coast with Iraola departing the club at the end of the season.
The Spaniard has spent three years in charge of the Bournemouth but last month announced his decision to step down.
Iraola has been linked with succeeding Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace this summer.
He is also in the frame for the permanent manager’s role at Manchester United.
Iraola is one of the favourites for the Old Trafford hotseat alongside current interim boss Michael Carrick.
