AFCB

First Team

Injury News: Traorè available for Villa

Gary O'Neil has provided an injury update ahead of the weekend's game against Aston Villa in the midlands. 

The Cherries travel to Villa Park for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday and will be looking to do the double of their opening day opponents. 

Speaking ahead of the fixture, O'Neil shared his delight at the return of January signing Hamed Junior Traorè. 

"Junior Traorè is back and has trained for part of the week - he's looking good," he began. 

"Marcus Tavernier isn't quite back yet, but I expect him to be back for the next one. Illia Zabarnyi is the same. It's really good news that we don't have anywhere near the amount of injuries that what we had before. 

"In terms of players coming back, I thought Lloyd Kelly was excellent last week. I felt he would cope, but I would've been more confident if he'd been back for longer.

"Facing Mo Salah was a big ask, but to come out of it as he did with that performance shows the quality he has and what he's capable of. I like him in that left-back role, I think he can do that well. 

"Everyone is also delighted for David Brooks and his family. He's itching, but he's sensibly itching. He knows there's things to do, but he'll be involved again tomorrow." 

O'Neil went on to discuss how the squad enjoyed a positive week, with a team building session helping keep spirits high following a fantastic 1-0 win over Liverpool

"Yeah, on Monday afternoon, a few of them thought it was a good idea to do something together, we've had new players come in recently.

"I was in full support of it. They had an afternoon out at a local place, I saw a lot of smiles and everyone had a nice afternoon.

"It happens regularly at clubs, but this one was good timing after the win last week and with players settling into a new club.

"Neto has played a big part in it, the lads had a good day and they were back in and ready to work on Tuesday.

"It's been a good week and the lads are in a good place, proof of that will be tomorrow between 3pm and 5pm."