Ritchie's return would lift the Cherries

I am hoping that there is still a very small outside chance that Matt Ritchie is able to make the squad for the Burnley game, even though the Derby fixture looks to be the main target for his return. BBC Radio Solent indicated last weekend that his return is likely to be after the international break, while Coulibaly and McQuiod were on track to be back to full fitness that bit sooner. It looks like Ryan Fraser would also benefit from a rest at this point despite having done amazingly well. If Ritchie is able to feature soon it would be a very big bonus for Eddie Howe's side and even being able to take part in training this week will be helping to lift spirits in the camp.

Oh to see Matt Ritchie back in Red and Black.

Coulibaly could make things interesting if he is ready for Turf Moor.

There are not many more harder working players that Ritchie and he has the quality and touch of a top class player for this division. I am sure that Eddie Howe is very eager to get Matt involved and playing again as soon as he can, although we don't want Matt to break down again. If training goes well though this week, who knows perhaps he could be introduced slowly with a five minute subs appearance at Turf Moor. There must be an element of Eddie Howe that would be keen to see Matt play if he is able to. With the international break coming after the Burnley fixture it may be safest to hold Ritchie back a bit longer to give him plenty of time to be match fit, but I do think the team needs a lift and Ritchie would be the perfect tonic.

If Bournemouth can go into the international break with a win over Burnley that would be a massive pick up for the players and it would do a world of good for their league position which has suffered in recent weeks. Getting a result against the Clarets will be tremendously difficult and it is a game that AFCB have to use any advantage they can to try and upset the division's form team.

Matt is one player that can provide crosses for forwards to thrive off of. It would be of interest to see how he would play with Rantie, but we'll probably have to wait for a home game to see that. AFCB need a boost and I can't think of a player who could make more of a difference than Matt, so fingers crossed that he can play some part in the game on Saturday. If not then we must be patient and hope that he can be there to start against Derby County. I am sure his name will get a tremendous round of applause when he does next appear for the Cherries.