BOSS Eddie Howe has revealed that Charlie Daniels and Tommy Elphick are facing a crucial few days in their bids to hand Cherries a timely boost.

The defensive duo are both poised to step up their attempts to regain full fitness in time to return to the club’s promotion push as soon as possible.

Foot-injury victim Daniels has been unavailable since being forced to sit out the Dorset club’s home clash with Crewe on January 26.

The left-back’s absence was compounded by stand-in skipper Elphick being sidelined with knee and shin damage just a week later.

Ex-Brighton centre-half Elphick has been unable to play as a result of the injuries sustained in Ryan Lowe’s horror tackle at MK Dons on February 2.

Without Elphick and Daniels as part of the back four, Cherries have dropped down the League One standings following four successive defeats.

But manager Howe is hoping to pair will soon be able to return.

He told the Daily Echo: “Charlie has had a period of rest and we are just beginning to see whether he can build back up now and whether he can tolerate work through his foot.

“The next few days are going to be crucial for Charlie. He is a big player for us and we would love to get him fit.

“Tommy is in a similar position. He started light jogging and running in a straight line. Hopefully, we can accelerate him quite quickly and he can be fit, hopefully, ahead of schedule.

“But at this moment in time, he is still some way off.”