Andoni Iraola provides Marcus Tavernier injury update ahead of Bournemouth's clash with Nottingham Forest

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has revealed that Marcus Tavernier has returned to training ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.

Iraola's side pulled off a stunning 4-1 victory in last Saturday's away clash with Newcastle United despite having to cope with a lengthy injury list.

Tavernier was among those sidelined for the trip to St James' Park, where Justin Kluivert netted a hat-trick to extend Bournemouth's unbeaten run to 10 Premier League matches, leaving them in seventh place with 37 points to their name.

Bournemouth will now return to the Vitality Stadium for two difficult home games against second-placed Nottingham Forest and leaders Liverpool.

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Tavernier returns to Bournemouth training

Iraola has confirmed that Tavernier has returned to training ahead of Saturday's clash with Forest, having been forced to miss the last eight competitive matches with a hamstring injury.

However, the Bournemouth boss admitted that he is unsure whether the attacker will be ready to play an active role against Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

"The only [injured] player that has started training with the group is Marcus Tavernier," Iraola told reporters in Friday's pre-match press conference.

"I don't know if we are going to have him tomorrow; we will have to decide. Even if we put him on the bench, maybe we don't use him, I don't know what we are going to do with him. But he is the only player that has started training with the group."

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Who are Bournemouth's absentees for Saturday's fixture?

Iraola confirmed that there are no fresh fitness concerns ahead of the weekend, but he is still having to contend with a significant absentee list.

Bournemouth's defensive options have been hit by injuries to Adam Smith, James Hill, Julian Araujo and Marcos Senesi.

Midfielder Alex Scott is also on the sidelines with the attacking trio of Luis Sinisterra, Enes Unal and Evanilson.

Meanwhile, January addition Julio Soler is currently away representing Argentina at the South American Under-20 Championship in Venezuela.