GOALKEEPER Adam Federici could be ready to hand Cherries a timely boost after making a miraculous recovery from injury.

Federici looked destined for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after hurting his left ankle during Cherries’ 3-3 draw with Everton last month.

It was first feared that the Aussie international had suffered long-term ligament damage after turning his ankle when he landed awkwardly.

But despite suffering the injury just 13 days ago and being on crutches afterwards, the summer signing from Reading was back on the training pitch earlier this week.

Cherries assistant manager Jason Tindall told the Daily Echo: “Feds has come back a lot earlier than we expected.

“We were expecting to be without him for a number of weeks but he has been on the training pitch for the past couple of days and, so far, has come through with no problems.

“Hopefully, if that remains the case, then we are looking forward to having him back and available for selection.”

Tindall added: “I think everybody was resigned to him being out for a while, the physios and Feds himself.

“When he did the injury and when you see it back on video, it looks quite nasty but, thankfully, it is not as bad as everybody feared.

“Feds is a good professional. He has done what he needed to do and, so far, has been able to train. Providing there are no setbacks and he doesn’t feel it, then we will have him back.”

News of Federici’s return comes on the back of fellow goalkeeper Artur Boruc confirmed he will delay going under the knife to cure his troublesome knee problem.

Boruc has been plagued by the injury for the past few weeks and did not start any of Cherries’ four Premier League games in November.

However, the Polish stopper returned for the trip to Chelsea and played a starring role as Howe’s team stunned the reigning champions at Stamford Bridge.

Boruc pulled off a string of fine saves during Cherries’ 1-0 victory, his impressive display earning him a place in the EP SPORTS Premier League team of the week.

The 35-year-old’s run of 28 consecutive league starts for Cherries came to an end when he tweaked his groin in the warm-up at Manchester City and was forced to withdraw from the squad.

He earned an immediate recall against Tottenham but was at fault for three goals as Cherries suffered a 5-1 defeat.

Omitted from the squad for the visit to Southampton, Boruc featured in Poland’s 3-1 friendly win over Czech Republic on November 17 before reporting back to Vitality Stadium with a swollen knee.

Boruc said: “I didn’t play for some time but it was nothing to do with my performance against Tottenham.

“I had some problems with injuries. I felt better again and that was why I played for Poland against Czech Republic. Then, I had some scans on my knee. It turned out that, for now, any operation is not needed so I can play.”