AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has explained the reason why Dominic Solanke is not starting against Chelsea in the final Premier League game of the season.

Cherries’ leading goalscorer Solanke has been named on the bench for AFC Bournemouth’s trip to Stamford Bridge, with Basque boss Iraola choosing not to risk his star striker over a hip issue.

Solanke has 19 goals in 37 Premier League appearances this season, having started all of Cherries’ league fixtures.

However, Iraola believes Solanke will play some part against his former club Chelsea.

Asked about the striker’s absence, Iraola revealed: “He has a small problem in the hip – it was probably not worth it to risk him. He will be available for the second half for sure. And I hope he will give us a good spark of energy for the end of the game.”

In total, Cherries have made five changes from the side defeated 2-1 at home to Brentford last weekend.

Goalkeeper and captain Neto returns in between the sticks, with Mark Travers, Adam Smith, Dango Ouattara, and Lloyd Kelly all making way.

Milos Kerkez starts after serving a three-match ban, with Max Aarons starting for the first time since January at right-back.

Marcus Tavernier starts on the wing, with Enes Unal leading the line.

Asked for his thoughts behind his team selection, Iraola revealed: “A little bit of everything.

“Some players they probably are not 100 per cent, but mostly because I want to see other players.

“They have been training well. We are coming from a loss, so at the end I have chosen a team that can be competitive today against Chelsea.”

Asked why Neto returned in between the sticks after being on the bench for the last four games, Iraola replied: “Because I liked how he has answered.

“He hasn’t played last few games, he has trained very well, pushing. I think he deserves to play today – let’s see how he performs. But I think he has earned the right.”