AFC Bournemouth
Striker Callum Wilson is likely to face a late fitness test ahead of AFC Bournemouth’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea on Wednesday.
Wilson sustained a knee injury during the closing stages of the Cherries’ 2-0 victory over West Ham at Vitality Stadium 10 days ago.
The England international, who has netted 12 goals for club and country this season, was replaced by Junior Stanislas after 73 minutes against the Hammers.
Wilson had returned from a hamstring injury to open the scoring with a stunning strike against Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
Manager Eddie Howe, speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning, said: “Callum is going to be a doubt for the game.
“It’s a knee problem but we’re going to wait and see. We’re going to give him all the time he needs to try to get fit for this game.”
Meanwhile, Howe reported new signing Dominic Solanke was making good progress with his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Solanke, who became Howe’s first addition of the mid-season transfer window when he arrived from Liverpool, started his career in the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge.
Giving an update on Solanke, Howe said: “Dominic has done well. He’s been back on the grass with us and I’ve been pleased with his progress.
“I think I said he would be ready in February when he first signed. We will wait and see whether that’s going to be any earlier.”
Howe was also asked whether fellow new recruit Chris Mepham may feature against the Blues: “He’s a very talented young lad. We’re really excited by what he can deliver for us, now and in the future.
“He fits our mould of what we’re after in a young defender. He’s very good on the ball, composed and he has leadership qualities.
“He’s started very well in his first few training sessions. Whether or not he will play a part against Chelsea, we will wait and see.”
