Written by Adam McGroarty (@AdamMcGroarty)
AFC Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall has revealed Arnaut Danjuma and Lewis Cook will face late fitness tests as the Cherries prepare to host Preston North End on Tuesday.
Both Danjuma and Cook missed out on the 2-2 draw at Rotherham at the weekend through injury, but the duo could return in time to face Preston North End.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Tindall said: “They were assessed this morning and will be assessed again tomorrow [Tuesday] just to see where they are and if they will be available.
“It will be a late call on both of the players.”
The Cherries boss also revealed the injury to right-back Jack Stacey isn’t as bad as what was first feared. The 24-year-old picked up a knee injury in the 4-2 triumph over Reading earlier this month and was initially expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks. He added: “With the specialist’s opinion, it has turned out to be good news.
“Jack knows the direction he is going in now, and is focused on getting back playing again a lot sooner than we initially feared.”
Focusing on the game ahead, Tindall was full of praise when asked for his thoughts on Tuesday night’s opponents. He said: “They are a really good Championship side and have been for a number of years now.
“They are a solid side that is difficult to play against and they have had some really good away results. They’ll be coming here looking to win and we have to make sure we are prepared for that and put in a good performance.”
The visit of Preston North End will be Bournemouth’s third game in the space of seven days. “We can’t do anything about it, we’ve just got to get on with it in the best way we can,” Tindall added.
“Having said that, it’s a tough ask to go out and deliver a high level performance consistently in terms of the physical output. All we can do is give our best in every game with the schedule that’s in front of us.”
The Cherries have recently announced the nominees for the club’s November Player of the Month award, with Asmir Begovic, David Brooks, Junior Stanislas and Dominic Solanke up for the vote.
Stanislas has netted three goals in his last two Bournemouth appearances, and Tindall expressed his delight at the winger’s current form. Speaking to Nerve Sport, he said: “I’m really impressed with Junior but not surprised. He is a player that I rate very highly, he’s got great spatial awareness and technical ability. He is a player you want in your team.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the performances he has delivered. It’s just nice to see that good performances have been rewarded with goals, we know that there’s goals in him but his contribution to the team so far this season has been excellent.”
AFC Bournemouth will host Preston North End in the Championship on Tuesday night at 7:45pm.