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Team news: Injury latest pre-Watford

Jonathan Woodgate gave his latest team news on the eve on the Cherries' Saturday lunchtime hosting of Watford.

Bournemouth came through their midweek match with Cardiff City without any further injury concerns, with the in-form Hornets next to visit Vitality Stadium.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports, with details of streaming for season ticket holders available here.

In his pre-match press conference, Woodgate filled the media in on the returns of Dominic Solanke and Jack Stacey, with the former closing in on a comeback for the first team.

"Dominic is getting closer but this game could be a bit too early for him," said the head coach. "I'll see what he's like after we've done a bit of training today. The game could come too early for him.

"Jack Stacey's got another couple of weeks to go, and that's that on the injury front I think.

"Jack's progressing well, but you just have to take your time on these thigh injuries. He's back running, slowly and surely he's getting there."

Steve Cook returned for Wednesday's match after an adductor injury, with Woodgate commending his captain for his attitude and leadership.

He said: "At times you've got players who aren't 100% fit and you've got players like Steve Cook who will play when they're 80% or 70% fit, he's that type of lad.

"The more players you have like that in your dressing room with personality and character the better you'll do.

"He's a fantastic leader in the dressing room, he leads by example and that's what you can get with someone of Steve's character."

The Cherries dropped out the top six earlier this week, though Woodgate knows that a positive result against the Hornets will be a major boost for his side as they aim to get back in the play-off spots.

"It could send out a big statement," he said, "especially with them being above us in the league. It would be great if we could get those three points on Saturday.

"It's not going to be easy because we know they're on a great run and they've got some fantastic players who are Premier League players.

"It's going to be a very difficult game, live on Sky Sports."