JORDAN Zemura is back fit - but Cherries will soon be without the left-back again, as reports from Zimbabwe suggest he has already been named in the Warriors' AFCON squad.

The Lambeth-born defender is eligible to play for the African country thanks to both of his parents hailing from Zimbabwe, leading to Zemura representing the Warriors four times since November 2020.

Whilst Zimbabwe boss Norman Mapeza is yet to announce his preliminary side for the tournament, Harare publication The Herald have been 'reliably informed' that the 22-year-old will be called up to represent his country in Cameroon.

It would mean that Cherries would be without Zemura for potentially two months. However, with the Warrior's preparation for the tournament hampered by the fact that national FA was suspended by FIFA in November, there is confusion in regards to pre-tournament plans. Currently there are no plans for an extended camp, meaning Zemura may leave later than other English based call-ups for other countries.

The Herald published quotes from Zemura, where the left-back talked about playing for Zimbabwe and recovering from injury.

Zemura made his first start since the end of October against Middlesbrough, playing the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat on Teeside.

“It feels very much exciting to be back into the team after a long time,” said Zemura.

“Look, six weeks is a very long time for a footballer to be on the sidelines. Every player wants to be playing the game, that’s what we do and we have to do it when we are supposed to be doing it.

"The six weeks have been enduring, not nice at all.

“I am someone who always wants to be competing, to be playing and to be training.

"That has not been happening and you know that takes a toll on you as a person and as a footballer.

“I am very happy and it feels great to be back playing again. That’s what I enjoy the most, that’s my job.

"This also boosts my confidence as a player.

"It’s unfortunate we lost this match. It was very tough, we had our chances and they had theirs too. We wanted to win as a team as we know what we want to achieve at the end of the day but this is football, you win, draw or lose. We will go back to the drawing board and reorganise.”

AFCON would be Zemura's first tournament with the Warriors, with Zimbabwe never making it out of the group stage in their previous four attempts. Zemura expressed his thoughts on playing on a bigger international stage, saying: “Playing in a team or playing in a tournament for the first time is always something which is scary, so to say. But, this is very common in this game.

“Let me say I am super excited to be going to be a part of this extravaganza.

“This is Africa’s biggest football tournament where the best players from our continent meet.

“It’s always tough to be playing against the best of the best but we are ready to face anyone.

“We qualified for the tournament just like every participant there and we know we are also capable.

“But I am happy, as an individual, to be playing in that tournament for the very first time.

"This is one of the best tournaments in the world and you always want to be part of the fun. I am ready and I pray that no eventualities like injuries stand in the way.”

The competition runs from January 9 to February 6, with Zimbabwe's first Group B fixture against Sadio Mane's Senegal on January 10.