Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was relieved his eight international players all returned fit ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Norwich City. The international break is always a worry for managers and it is case of watch and see but, despite “a couple of slight concerns”, it seems all eight will be available to face the Canaries.
There is not a lot of change in terms of players coming back into the fold after injury although a few are closer to a return. Full-back Adam Smith is nearing full fitness, while David Brooks and Junior Stanislas are still yet to return to training.
Smith has not featured since injuring a hamstring injury against Leicester back in August and Howe confessed that “we’re pretty much as we were.”
Brooks, Stanislas and Dan Gosling are some way away from returning but “the rest are pretty much there”.
Howe revealed he has had a “long chat” with Callum Wilson to ascertain his mental state after the racist abuse suffered by England players in Bulgaria, making it clear the striker is “fine” and “it’s nothing new for him to have to deal with”.
Norwich will be without long-term injury victims Timm Klose and Christoph Zimmermann, while it remains to be seen if Jamal Lewis is fit after he had to withdraw from a Euro 2020 qualifier for Northern Ireland.
Tim Krul is set to play, while Kenny McLean and Todd Cantwell are also available. Max Aarons returned from international duty without any problems.
Boss Daniel Farke also confirmed Sam Byram, Alex Tettey, Tom Trybull and Onel Hernandez are all available, but Ralf Fahrmann needs more time.
Ben Godfrey had hernia surgery in Germany over the break, Grant Hanley saw a specialist over his groin issues, and so the duo are rated as doubtful, while Mario Vrancic is not ready.
Bournemouth lost 1-0 to Arsenal last time out and Norwich were thrashed 5-1 at home by Aston Villa.
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