AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe has confirmed that he has no fresh injury worries ahead of the Premier League game at West Ham United this weekend, and that he’ll ‘wait and see’ on a potential debut for Jefferson Lerma.
Lerma arrived for a club record fee during the summer transfer window, but wasn’t considered for selection for the Cherries’ opening fixture of the season against Cardiff City.
But after a full week in training, Howe has said that the Colombian international has benefitted from a full week in training.
“He’s coming along well,” the manager said in his pre-match press conference. “He’s had a good week in training. The thing we’ve got to remember is that he’s had minimal training after the World Cup, but his performance and endurance levels are getting better with each training session. He’s getting closer.
“At moment he’s quite quiet. There are obviously a few issues with language and he’s still getting to know his new teammates. It’s a process that takes time.
“We can see Diego [Rico] and Jefferson’s personalities coming out. They’re both nice guys and add a lot to our squad. They’re good characters.
“We have a lot of important games coming up, but in terms of Jefferson’s availability for the weekend we’ll have to wait and see.”
David Brooks could be in line to retain his starting position, with the manager adding: “I’m really pleased with him. He’s shown a great attitude towards his work, has knuckled down and wanted to improve. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at his fitness levels.
“We always saw him as an important part of our squad. Did we expect him to start our opening league game of the season? It was always up to him, and how he performed in training.
“We’re in a pretty good place injury-wise. We’re still without Junior [Stanislas] and Kyle [Taylor] through injury, and Diego remains suspended. Other than that, we’re in a good position.”
