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Bournemouth right-back Álex Jiménez has been placed on suspension as the south coast club conducts a thorough investigation into social media messages allegedly sent between their player and an account run by someone claiming to be a 15-year-old girl.
Unverified screenshots of Instagram direct messages arranging a rendezvous circulated widely throughout the week. They were not shared by Jiménez himself.
The club issued an official statement on Friday which stated: "AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Álex Jimenez. The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.
"As a result, Álex 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."
Jiménez was consequently omitted from Bournemouth's matchday squad for the first time in a top-flight match since joining the club eight months ago.
Andoni Iraola: 'I Hope it's Not What We Think'
Outgoing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, who has been linked with Manchester United and several other clubs, was asked about the situation by BBC Radio Solent ahead of Saturday's match in west London.
"The club has to carry out their investigation and determine what actually happened," he said. "We will take it from there. I hope it's not what we think."
Jiménez originally joined Bournemouth on a loan arrangement from AC Milan during the summer transfer window. After fulfilling the required appearance threshold through his near-ever-present role this season, the club confirmed his move had been made permanent in February. His new deal runs through to the summer of 2031.
The Spain under-21 international, who previously came through the ranks at Real Madrid, has yet to make any public statement regarding the incident.