BOSS Eddie Howe said skipper Tommy Elphick had been encouraged following a consultation with a specialist earlier this week.

Cherries’ inspirational captain has been sidelined since it was discovered he had chipped a bone in his ankle during the early stages of the season.

Elphick initially sustained the damage during Cherries’ 4-3 victory at West Ham in August, although it was first thought he had only suffered tendonitis.

However, a fracture was revealed following further tests and Elphick went under the knife in October when he was told to expect to be ruled out until the new year.

Howe said: “The news was good and the specialist was happy with what he saw with Tommy’s ankle. He is out of his protective boot and now it will be a case of stepping him up.

“He’s got some muscle wastage so he needs to build up his calf. There is still a process to go through before he will be fit. We said 12 weeks post-op and I don’t think that has changed.”