No new injury concerns for Bournemouth
Lerma arrived at Bournemouth 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 benefited from a full week in training. “He’s coming along well, 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.” Howe told reporters in a press conference.
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.”