AFC Bournemouth
Scott Parker has provided an update on the availability of his squad ahead of Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie with Boreham Wood.
The Cherries head coach joined the media for the first time since a memorable transfer deadline day, where five signings joined the club, and he confirmed that late decisions will be made on Todd Cantwell, Freddie Woodman and Nat Phillips.
He said: “We’re just going to have to see where we are with them, they’ve had two or three days training with us so we’re getting all their information from their previous clubs just to see the amount of work they’ve done.
“Kieffer Moore won’t be available and Dembele is obviously cup-tied. Ethan Laird still won’t be available.”
Among the good news for Parker is the return to training of midfielder Lewis Cook and defender Chris Mepham, although he’s not certain whether the latter will make the squad for Boreham Wood.
“Lewis Cook will be back amongst the squad, he’ll be in the squad for us, so he’ll be able to play.
“Chris Mepham had his first day back training today, maybe the weekend comes a little bit too quick. I’ll have to see how he comes in tomorrow morning from fully training with the squad.”
Adam Smith and Junior Stanislas remain long-term absentees for the Cherries but Parker confirmed that he’s hoping to welcome the duo back ahead of a vital run-in to the campaign.
“Adam is doing very, very well, hopefully he’ll probably be three weeks or something along that timescale.
“Junior will be a little bit longer. They’re two of the longer-term injuries who will be amongst it, and I hope they can help us in the run-in.”
Parker was speaking on World Cancer Day and was asked to provide an update on winger David Brooks, who is continuing his battle with Hodgkin lymphoma.
He revealed that the Wales international is becoming a more regular site at the training ground and admits Brooks’s presence has a positive impact on the squad.
Parker said: “He’s a loved member of the team and thankfully over the last three or four weeks, we are seeing more of him.
“He’s on the mend, and we always knew he’d be on the mend, but there’s no denying it’s been a tough road for David and probably still is at times.
“Every time he steps around the place he gives us a lift because you see someone who is a fighter.”
