AFC Bournemouth
Eddie Howe has said there will be a late call made on Jefferson Lerma for the away trip to Cardiff, while Callum Wilson will miss out again due to a knee problem.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s win over Chelsea, Howe confirmed that Wilson has had a minor knee operation and will be missing for around three weeks.
Midfielder Jefferson Lerma also missed the midweek fixture, and in his pre-match press conference at Vitality Stadium, the Cherries manager said the Colombian will be given the best chance to play in south Wales.
“Callum will be out,” he said. “With Jefferson we will see how he is today and make a late call on him. Other than that I think we’re as we were.”
January signing Dominic Solanke was on the bench against Chelsea and Howe said he feels his new frontman is getting closer to his debut for the club.
He commented: “Dominic Solanke was on the bench for Chelsea, so is available to play. I wouldn’t say he is 100% ready to play, and it’s difficult to get there when you have so many games to play, but we’re pleased with his progress.”
Another new signing who did make his first appearance for the side on Wednesday was Chris Mepham, who came on as a late substitute, and the Cherries manager was pleased with how the defender has settled at the club.
“He’s had limited training time but it was great to see him make his debut the other day, even though he was only on the pitch for a short time. He is making good progress,” said Howe.
