CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe revealed striker Jermain Defoe would join the squad for a training camp in Portugal.

The England international has been on the sidelines since sustaining a fractured ankle in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Chelsea before Christmas.

Defoe was ruled out following a mistimed lunge by Ethan Ampadu moments into the clash at Stamford Bridge.

Howe told the club’s Twitter account: “It will be good to have Jermain with us, we are looking forward to getting him back.”

Cherries are tomorrow set to fly out with their next fixture at home against Newcastle a week on Saturday.

“There will be no rest, it will be a training camp,” added Howe.

“Last year we went to Madrid and felt that was really beneficial to us staying in the Premier League. On the back of it we came back and got some really good wins, which we needed.

“It’s nice that you change it up and change the feel for the group. But also the fact they get to be with each other 24/7 for three days is nice and can build team spirit.

“We are hoping the trip will galvanise the squad and get everybody together for the final push.”