JEFFERSON Lerma insists he has "left behind" the frustration of being charged with biting an opponent, with all his focus now on being ready for action when his suspension ends.

The Colombian was rocked by the news of a six-game ban and £40,000 fine after being found guilty of biting Sheffield Wednesday's Josh Windass during a Championship fixture in November 2020.

It took until June for the charge to officially be upheld, despite Lerma protesting his innocence.

As a result, the 26-year-old is currently not allowed to feature for Cherries, having served two games of his suspension by missing the Carabao Cup win over MK Dons and league fixture against West Brom.

Lerma will be unavailable for the next four fixtures, against Nottingham Forest, Birmingham and Blackpool in the league as well as the next round of the cup, but could return for the Championship trip to Hull City on August 28.

"Jefferson had some extra time off, because we knew it would be a long pre-season for him otherwise – 10 weeks," Parker told the Daily Echo.

"He now comes in and has five or six weeks until he can play, whatever that may be. He now needs to get up to speed and get fit.

"That’s what our aim is with Jeff. Of course it’s going to be surely difficult for him because he is going to miss some games.

"But his main focus now is to get fit and get up to speed and ready for when he’s called upon."

Asked how Lerma is coping mentally with missing matches as he continues to refute the biting claim made against him, Parker added: "He feels hard done by and I get that. It is what it is now and this is where he is.

"Whether it’s right or wrong, it isn’t going to change. What he needs to worry about now is getting fit and being ready."

Following defeat in the play-off semi-final against Brentford in May, Lerma had a busy summer which included international duty with Colombia, a trip to Spain and becoming a father again.

Speaking to Cherries' website, Lerma said: "I am very happy, it feels like he was my first child.

"Children bring a lot of love and happiness. His name is Derrick and I am very glad."

Reflecting on his summer as a whole, the midfielder added: "Very good. I hadn’t been able to go to Colombia until this summer so I managed to spend some quality time with my loved ones.

"I feel like I've charged the batteries for the new season."

Discussing his six-game ban, Lerma said: "It was hard to take, but the suspension has been decided and I am focusing on working hard for the season ahead.

"Now I am enjoying life and have left that behind.

"I have to prepare as best as I can to face the new season. I am training hard and waiting to play again."