Scott Parker gives an injury update ahead of AFC Bournemouth's Championship clash with Cardiff City on Thursday night
Scott Parker revealed captain Lloyd Kelly is “back in the squad” for the clash against Cardiff after a period of COVID isolation that kept the defender out of the Cherries 1-0 win over QPR.
Bournemouth returned to winning ways on Monday after a Dominic Solanke's header secured all three points for the Dorset club and propelled them back to the top of the Championship, but they were without Kelly who has now recovered from COVID.
The Bournemouth head coach also revealed everyone else involved in the win at Loftus Road has come out of the game with just some "bumps and bruises".
Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday night’s game, he said: “Lloyd Kelly is back in the squad, he comes out of that isolation period.
“Injury wise, everyone else has come out of the game (QPR) with a few bumps and bruises but nothing more than that and are fully fine."
"Lloyd is back, which is a big plus for us, he has been an integral part of us this year and is the captain as well."
The victory over QPR also saw Junior Stanislas make just his second start of the season having been plagued with injury for the majority of the campaign.
The experienced attacking midfielder came through an hour of the game, setting up Solanke’s winner, but Parker revealed the 31-year-old sustained an issue with his shoulder but is optimistic Stanislas will be fit to play against the Welsh side.
“Junior Stanislas had a bit of an issue with his shoulder after the game (QPR), he trained lightly so let’s see how he reacts tomorrow morning,” Parker added.
“I see him being okay for the game though.
Jordan Zemura will also be available and remain with the squad for the next two games before leaving for the African Cup of Nations with Zimbabwe after the Peterborough game next Monday
Cardiff currently sit 20th in the Championship but have seen an improvement in form under new manager Steve Morison and Parker admitted the tie will be “another tough game” and that his side need to “come with our top game” if they are to get anything out of the tie.
Follow live updates from Vitality Stadium with NERVE SPORT from 7.45pm Thurday night via our Twitter channel @nerve_sport.