Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Lovell aiming for February return
COMEBACK hopeful Steve Lovell has broken his silence on his Cherries nightmare by revealing he is targeting a return next month.[LNB] The injury plagued striker has yet to feature for the Dean Court outfit since joining on a one-year contract in the summer.[LNB] Lovell, brother of boss Eddie Howe, has had three operations on a troublesome ankle problem and saw his recovery hampered by complications following one of those procedures in April.[LNB] But the former SPL star, who scored goals north of the border for the likes of Dundee and Aberdeen, could bolster Cherries' attacking resources by making a long-awaited return in February.[LNB] Speaking publicly about the injury for the first time, he revealed he had made progress in recent weeks and also gave an insight into the difficult time he has endured since rejoining the south coast outfit.[LNB] Lovell told the Echo: From the op in November, everything was cleared out and, since that operation, I've felt brilliant.[LNB] I haven't had any of the original pains or problems with the old injury.[LNB] It was going to take a little bit of time. Because of the scar tissue, we couldn't rush into it because if it had built up again it would have caused more problems.[LNB] It had to be a slow rehab but I'm getting there now. I'm running and I've been doing that for nearly two weeks, so everything is coming on really well.[LNB] At the moment, I'm just doing straight line running so the twisty stuff will come next week. We've had to build up the times with the running, just to get the body used to it again.[LNB] But so far everything has been really good.[LNB] Asked if he was working to a timescale, he said: No, not really, but I'm hoping in my own mind that I'm back involved by the end of next month.[LNB] The physiotherapists might tell me that's too soon but, for me, I'd like to be back fully training and involved in some reserve games by, hopefully, the end of next month.[LNB] Lovell added: After having three operations on the same ankle, you start to wonder if it's meant to be.[LNB] There have been times where I've thought Is it worth it' and I've had family, friends and players that have kept me going, especially Mark Molesley, who has been in that boat and had a torrid time as well.[LNB] He's always positive and I think that rubs off on you.[LNB] In August, Lovell offered to only draw 50 per cent of his monthly salary until such time as he is fit to return to action.[LNB]
