AFC Bournemouth
Scott Parker has updated the media on the injury and illness front ahead of this weekend’s trip to Barnsley.
The Cherries head coach confirmed that attacker Jamal Lowe had tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently isolating, as per government guidelines, but has revealed good news on Jefferson Lerma.
Parker said: “We have just one covid case in Jamal Lowe.
“Obviously we had Jefferson Lerma but he’s come out [of isolation]. He trained for the first time today so depending on how he reacts, which I suspect will be fine, he’ll be available.”
Parker also provided an update on the latest of Chris Mepham and Lewis Cook, the former forced off with a hamstring issue in the defeat to Hull City whilst the latter missed the game entirely with a knock.
“Injury-wise, Chris Mepham will probably struggle for the weekend but everyone else, other than the long termers, are fine.
“Lewis Cook is trying to nurse through at the moment, he trained today but he trained at probably 50% and we’ll have to see how he comes in tomorrow. At this moment, he’s touch and go.”
Parker will be boosted by the return of Jordan Zemura, who returned to full training this week following his debut appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Cherries full-back played twice as Zimbabwe were knocked out of the competition at the group stage but faces stiff competition at left-back given the strong performances of Leif Davis.
“Jordan’s looked good, he obviously came back last week but it was too soon in terms of getting back and training with the group to make the squad.
“He’s had a full week training with us and has looked good for that. He will be available for selection in the squad for the weekend and it will be my decision in what capacity we use Jordan, but pleased to have him back and pleased to have him in and around the squad.
“I think Leif’s done very well to be honest with you. It was arguably his two best performances, back-to-back, that he’s had in a Bournemouth shirt.
“I think it was a difficult start for Leif coming in, he had some setbacks, a couple of little injuries, a couple of little illnesses and then struggled a little bit here and there but certainly I’ve seen someone over the last four or five weeks moving in the right direction so I’ve been pleased with him.”
