It'll feel like a new signing given the length of time he's been out, but Shaun Cooper is nearing fitness again, which will give manager Eddie Howe a timely boost to his selection options.
Speaking in the Bournemouth Evening Echo, manager Eddie Howe is quoted as saying: "We’ve been keeping a close eye on Coops and he is coming along nicely. It’s great to see him on the training pitch. He’s only doing light ball work at this stage but it’s great to see him back and, hopefully, he can get himself fit as soon as possible".
The other long term absentee, Mark Molesley is bracing himself for a scan at the start of next week, which will determine whether he can resume his playing career, or undergo major surgery, which will keep him out for the remainder of the season.