Does Eddie play King if he's 90% fit?

Josh King has not had any problems in returning to training from what we hear. Eddie Howe has lost Callum Wilson and only has Dominic Solanke as a striker, who he knows is fully fit. Josh King hasn't played matches, but if he is ready to go Eddie may just decide he has to start against Chelsea.

Could Josh be back this weekend?

Rushing King back is the last thing Howe will want to do. King has had a series of hamstring problems over the years. If he breaks down in December, he'll miss games that are potentially more winnable in January. Yet, if Solanke plays on his own up front, are Bournemouth just throwing away any real potential of scoring against teams in December? There has been talk about Sam Surridge being recalled from Swansea, but Howe won't want to disrupt Surridge's time at Swansea City seeing that he is fitting in well there.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!

If Harry Wilson or Junior Stanislas could be used as back-up strikers, Howe could lighten the load on Solanke and King. He probably has to, or use Ryan Fraser at some point as a number 10. The wing situation can be covered by Jordan Ibe, if Howe is willing to let him play again. At this point, Bournemouth will need every available player. Anyone who can do a job should be considered to play now as the numbers are not good and Bournemouth need to fill the bench with the best players they have.

Advertisement

So, if King is anywhere near 90 per cent or so fit, I'd be surprised if Howe didn't play him. Just having King's name on the team sheet gives the players a boost and will make the opposition manager wary that Bournemouth can do something on the break. It may be risky to play King, but I don't see there is much choice. You can't protect players when the team is losing one or two players every game. Bournemouth have to hope their luck changes.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

The one thing that can be said for everyone having to find a way to make the team strong enough to cope with the December fixtures, the players will have to unite and fight for the cause. There hasn't been enough of that and seeing King come back will be part of the spark that Howe will hope can reignite the Cherries' season.