BOSS Scott Parker confirmed he expected Jordan Zemura to go to the African Cup of Nations with Zimbabwe – provided he is fit.

The Cherries head coach has been without the 22-year-old left-back since October, after he picked up an ankle injury.

Zemura has missed Cherries’ past seven league fixtures, having played every minute in the Championship until he was forced off during a 2-0 win at Reading.

And while he is on the mend regarding his fitness, Zemura is expected to be part of the Zimbabwe squad for their group opener of the African Cup of Nations against Senegal in Cameroon on January 10.

Asked about losing Zemura to the international tournament, Parker told the Daily Echo: “It will be a blow, yeah. I am not sure exactly what the exact state of play is on that.

“Depending on how he does come out of this injury, because he has still got some bits to do, he is still not over the line here.

“But yeah, in January he will be leaving, probably to go to the African Nations.”

Should Zemura travel with Zimbabwe for the tournament, he will at least be with his country until their final group game against Guinea on January 18.

The final of the competition is scheduled for February 6.

In quotes reported by Zimbabwean publication The Herald this week, full-back Zemura said: “Obviously we are all looking forward to the AFCON finals.

“If I am called into the team, well I will be ready to deliver maximum effort to help my country and you know national pride is something which has to be won no matter what.

"As a footballer, the last thing you want to lose is your fitness. But injuries are part of the game and we have to know that.

“I have been unfortunate to get injured at a time when I was on top of my game. I would have wanted to bring the same form I was in to the Warriors but such is the nature of this game.

"I am working hard though to try and regain full fitness and then to try and regain the form that I was in when I got injured."

Lambeth-born Zemura has played four times at senior level for Zimbabwe, having qualified to play for the Warriors through his parents.