Cherries: Howe waits on news of injured stars

EDDIE Howe is sweating on the fitness of several key players ahead of Cherries' League One showdown with Yeovil tomorrow. Howe is likely to delay naming his starting line-up until the last minute to give the walking wounded as much recovery time as possible. His main concerns are goalkeeper Shwan Jalal, defenders Shaun Cooper and Ryan Garry, and free-scoring midfielder Marc Pugh. Jalal sustained a facial injury when he collided with team-mate Marvin Bartley during the closing stages of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Leyton Orient. The 27-year-old was stretchered off and taken to hospital after damaging the area around his right eye when he took the full force of Bartley's elbow. He was replaced by 21-year-old rookie Jon Stewart, who had a baptism of fire and conceded twice in the final 11 minutes. Should Jalal be ruled out, Stewart would definitely start against Yeovil as third-choice stopper Dan Thomas is sidelined due to a long-term arm injury. Cooper is struggling after suffering a calf problem against Orient, while Garry missed the trip to east London due to a shin complaint. Pugh, who netted twice to give Cherries a 2-0 lead at Brisbane Road, sustained a gashed leg after falling heavily on a sprinkler by the side of the pitch. He was also carted to hospital and is understood to have taken 13 stitches to the wound. Howe has the option to boost his numbers by recalling young striker Danny Ings from a loan spell at Dorchester.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo