AFCB

First Team

Injury news: Cook back, Kelly and Brooks close

AFC Bournemouth head coach Gary O’Neil revealed that midfielder Lewis Cook will return to the matchday squad for this weekend’s game with Arsenal.

Speaking to the media ahead of the trip to North London, O’Neil provided an update on Cook, Lloyd Kelly and Illia Zabarnyi.

He said: “Lloydy is close and was back on the grass today. Lewis is back involved and he will join the squad, which is a big positive for everybody.

“Illia is back out running and is doing good work but won’t be involved this weekend. The rest is fairly similar.”

O’Neil provided a further update on Marcus Tavernier, who missed the defeat to Manchester City, but admitted he won’t be involved this weekend.

He added: “Marcus won’t be available again this weekend. We’ve got two more games before the international break and hopefully he’ll play a part in those, but it’s not confirmed.

“It’s a slight hamstring issue and it’s not too serious, so we’re hopeful to have him back as soon as possible.”

The Cherries boss finished with an update on David Brooks, who is making progress from his return from a hamstring injury.

“Brooks is close. There’s still bits to do and we maybe need to get him some time on the pitch in bigger areas but he’s trained well in and around the lads.

“There’s a few little bits to tick off, final hurdles to get over before he’s back involved but hopefully very, very soon.”