Duo's return big boost for Connell

Dacosta Gonzalez and Williams are set to hit the comeback trail when the Cherries host fellow Professional Development League high-fliers QPR at New Cuthbury on Wednesday (2pm kick-off).

Exciting frontman Dacosta Gonzalez has missed their past seven games after suffering a knee injury towards the end of January.

And gifted midfielder Williams has been sidelined for around three months since damaging ankle ligaments in training.

Connell told afcb.co.uk: “We’re really pleased to welcome back Michael and Toure to the squad after being out for a significant period of time.

“They have both worked very hard with their rehab and, looking at them in training, there’s a real hunger about them and they look like they haven’t really been away.

“They have trained well and have both put themselves in the squad for this game. We are delighted to have them back involved.

“It’s been a challenging few weeks for us. Not only have Michael and Toure been out, but we have other players injured and some have gone on loan.

“Most importantly, having them back raises the quality but also helps with numbers where we have been stretched for the past few weeks.

“I’m excited to see them play because they are both a joy to watch when they are in full flight. To have them back is a big boost for them and for everyone involved.”

A solitary point separates third-placed Cherries and table-toppers QPR, although second-placed Millwall could hit the summit when they host Ipswich on Tuesday.

Connell’s team face the Londoners on the back of a gruelling three-game winless run which saw them surrender the lead in the league against Swansea (2-3) and Watford (2-2) as well as against Leeds (2-3) in the last 16 of the Premier League Cup.

“It was a tough nine-day spell,” said Connell. “We used the same players in all the games and they put in a big physical effort.

“We took some blows with some of the late goals we conceded so the eight-day period without a game has been a chance to reset.

“The boys have been able to recover both physically and mentally and put in some good work on the training ground.

“I’m expecting to see them show their character and personality as well as their quality on Wednesday in what is going to be another really difficult game for us.”

Entry to all AFC Bournemouth development squad games at Wimborne Town’s New Cuthbury is free to all supporters and tickets are not required.

The stadium is situated just off the B3073 about a mile-and-a-half from the Canford Bottom roundabout. The post code is BH21 2BW and ample parking is available, which is also free.