EDDIE Howe remained tight-lipped over his team news for Sunday’s crucial showdown against Watford but added: “There are a couple who are getting very close now.”

Cherries had been ravaged by injuries over the festive period.

They were missing as many as eight first-team squad members for their 4-0 loss at West Ham last time out in the top flight.

Asked for an injury update ahead of the crunch contest against the Hornets at Vitality Stadium (2pm), Howe said: “We are getting there on some and have a couple of problems with others.

“The long-term absentees won’t really change for this weekend.

“But there are a couple who are getting very close now. They would make a big difference, so we will wait and see.

“I’ve still got a couple of late calls to make this weekend.

Quizzed on which players he was waiting on, Howe replied: “We will wait and see. When you get the get the team sheet I’ll let you know!

“We’ve trained this week, had small numbers. I am going to make a late call on a couple of players.”

The Dorset club are currently 18th in the division, with 20 points from 21 games.