Late call on Callum ahead of City test

Striker Wilson has missed the Cherries’ past five games after sustaining a knee injury during the closing stages of the 2-0 win over West Ham in January.

The England international, who has netted 12 goals for club and country this season, has made good progress and could be in contention to be involved against the champions.

Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference this morning, boss Howe said: “Callum is getting closer so we will make a late call on him. Injury-wise, he’s fine, it’s just building up his fitness.”

Frontmen Junior Stanislas and Dom Solanke again look certain to miss out, the pair both nursing thigh problems.

Stanislas has been sidelined since being forced off midway through the second half of the Cherries’ 3-0 defeat at Cardiff last month.

And transfer window signing Solanke sat out Wednesday’s trip to Arsenal after feeling his thigh during the closing stages of the 1-1 draw with Wolves six days ago.

Asked for an update on both players, Howe said Solanke was “closer” to a return than Stanislas but added that neither would be available to face City.

Howe said he would also make a late decision on whether David Brooks would be fit to start against City the attacker having made a welcome return to the bench at the Emirates after recovering from an ankle injury.

Howe said he would “have to make a call” on whether the Wales international would be fit to start against his former club and added: “He’s fit to be involved. He’s done very limited training with us.

The injury itself is fine so we need to make a call as to whether he can function in the way that he wants to.”

Midfielder Jefferson Lerma will serve the second of a two-match suspension after collecting his 10^th booking of the season against Wolves six days ago.

Meanwhile, Steve Cook remains sidelined due to a groin injury with Howe confirming he did not see an “immediate return” for the defender.