FIVE Cherries players have been pictured in training following recent injury lay-offs.

Cherries’ squad has been stretched in recent weeks, with seven missing for the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest last time out.

But fans will be encouraged to see five of those pictured in training ahead of the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Ryan Fredericks, Marcus Tavernier and Junior Stanislas have not been part of a matchday squad since the World Cup break due to muscle injuries.

But they appear to be progressing well, pictured as part of new signing Darren Randolph's first training session with the team.

Tavernier could still be some way off a first-team return. He is understood to still be in individual training, rather than full team sessions.

Speaking on January 20 about Tavernier, boss Gary O’Neil said: “I don't know whether Brighton comes too soon.

“He'll be in and around training around then, I would think, but still a lot to be done and still need to progress him through some stages before we get him back to where he needs to be.”

Meanwhile, David Brooks is continuing his progress as he closes in on a first appearance since September 2021.

The 25-year-old, who was given the all-clear from cancer in May 2022, has been ruled out in recent months due to a hamstring injury, but has been back around training for a few weeks.

Philip Billing is also back training, having missed the Nottingham Forest clash due to a minor injury complaint.

There was no sign in the training footage publicised by Cherries of Dominic Solanke or Lewis Cook, who are both nursing knee problems.