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First Team

Team news: Smith latest pre-Hornets

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AFC Bournemouth AFC Bournemouth

Adam Smith is rated as "50/50" with his midweek injury as the Cherries get set to go again at Watford on Saturday.

The full-back limped off late in the game at the Cardiff City Stadium with manager Jason Tindall discussing his availability before the trip to Vicarage Road in his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.

"Smithy came off near the end," said Tindall. "He got a whack on his knee so it's one of those that was assessed yesterday, will be assessed again today to see how he is for tomorrow.

"That will be a decision that is made today depending on how he is. He's 50/50."

"There wasn't anything else from Wednesday other than a few knocks and bruises, I'm not expecting to keep anyone out, but once the medical team have assessed those guys today then the decisions we'll be made whether they're 100% fit or 80% fit.

"Watford away is a tough fixture, it's a game that we need to go into making sure everyone's 100% fit for a winning performance."

Tindall next spoke about David Brooks, Lloyd Kelly and Joshua King - all missing since the restart following the international break - confident that they could soon play a role in his team selection.

"They've had a really good week's training," he said. "I'm expecting at least a couple of them to be involved in the squad for this weekend.

"Again, we'll assess everyone today to see where we are as a squad, physically and injury-wise.

"I'm certainly pleased with the week that they've had training, I think it's done them the world of good."

Rodrigo Riquelme made his Cherries bow on Wednesday as a late replacement from the bench, and the Cherries manager was impressed with the Spaniard's opening cameo for his new club.

"I was pleased with him when he came on," he said." It's difficult when you're a young lad, coming from another country and going straight into a league like the Championship, it takes a bit of getting used to.

"It was a good introduction for him in midweek against Cardiff and I was pleased with his performance.

"He's a kid who wants to work hard, wants to develop and wants to achieve as much as he can in the game. I've really enjoyed working with him so far and in time I'm sure he'll show everyone the quality that he's got.

"I wouldn't have any problem with starting Riquelme if I felt the game was right for him to start in, I wouldn't be afraid to put him in but it would have to at the right time when I think he can make an impact."

Cameron Carter-Vickers didn't travel to south Wales in midweek, though Tindall says the incoming loan signing is close to being ready.

"He's not far away, Cam. When we brought him in on deadline day he hadn't played for a while, since pre-season at Tottenham.

"He was short on minutes, game time and he hadn't had too much football in comparison to the rest of the group but he's had a week's training.

"We're delighted with his progress and he's someone who I think will add real strength and depth to the squad and will certainly play an important part this season."

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