CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe revealed that Dan Gosling’s training had been “scaled back” in order to help the midfielder regain full fitness.

Gosling sustained an ankle problem at the end of January and although he was on the bench for defeats to Brentford and Nottingham Forest, was not in the squad for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Dan’s been feeling a bit of ankle pain so we have scaled back his training to try and build him up again.

“I wouldn’t say he has had a huge setback but he’s not 100 per cent fit. While he’s not and we have other fit players available, he won’t be involved.”

Meanwhile, Howe admitted that midfielder Eunan O’Kane was not likely to return from ankle ligament damage for another fortnight.

The 24-year-old picked up the injury during the 2-0 win over Watford on January 30 when he was on the end of an X-rated challenge by Watford’s Daniel Pudil.

Howe added: “Eunan is making good progress. He’s out on the training pitches and while he’s not joining in with us, he’s close.

“In reality, he’s probably still a couple of weeks away but he’s moving closer.”

Winger Marc Pugh suffered a knee knock against Blackburn but is in contention to feature against play-off chasers Wolves at Dean Court tomorrow (7.45pm).

Baily Cargill, yet to start a Championship game for Cherries, is due to complete the final stages of his hip injury rehabilitation at Villa Stuart Sport Clinic in Rome.

Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s Championship clash at Dean Court.