Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that he hopes former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake will be fit to face the Blues this weekend.
The Cherries welcome Frank Lampard’s side to the Vitality Stadium tomorrow, with Bournemouth in need of the points as they continue to battle to avoid relegation.
Bournemouth have had a number of significant injury problems in recent weeks, with Ake one of the players who has been on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
He recently returned for the games against Aston Villa and Sheffield United, but missed Bournemouth's game against Burnley last weekend with concussion, after taking a blow to the head in training.
But Howe has given a positive update on the Dutchman ahead of the visit of his old club, with the Bournemouth boss hoping that he can play against the Blues .
"Nathan [Ake] has trained this week, we're really hopeful he should be okay," Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
"Jefferson [Lerma] is similar, he had a slight back injury but has come through a few days training."
Bournemouth have a good recent record against Chelsea, with the Cherries winning 4-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, and claiming a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge in December.
However, Howe has warned his players about the test he expects from Lampard's men, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League after beating London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
"The key to that win was the key characteristics to any win against any team in the Premier League, every player to a man performed," said Howe.
"We fully respect Chelsea, Frank Lampard and his squad. We know how tough this is going to be."
