Jack Stacey is in trouble.



The full-back hobbles on the edge of the penalty area before firing a concerned glance at the bench. Eddie Howe is standing on the edge of the technical area, with No 2 Jason Tindall motionless beside him. Bournemouth are a goal down away to Brighton & Hove Albion and nervously awaiting a VAR decision about a potential penalty against them for handball. While the wait goes on, the accused — Stacey — slumps on the pitch.



Head physio Steve Hard runs on to the field to help the summer signing from Luton Town but everyone knows what the outcome will be here. They have seen it all before.



Club doctor Craig Roberts joins Howe and Tindall on the touchline and relays the messages neither want to hear. Stacey gingerly walks off the field but, with all three substitutes already used and a vital point still there to be had with 15 minutes to play, he is soon thrown back into the action. Howe, Hard and Tindall debate what comes...