JACK Stephens believes Cherries’ two-week break in fixtures will allow the side to recuperate following their injury woes.

Cherries had a spare weekend after their FA Cup defeat to Burnley, with a two-week break between their Premier League fixtures with Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

Gary O’Neil’s charges picked up their first point since November against Forest, a 1-1 draw stopping a run of six defeats on the spin in all competitions.

They battled Steve Cooper’s Tricky Trees without the services of stars Marcus Tavernier and Dominic Solanke, among others.

Whilst O’Neil’s latest update on injuries hinted that the Brighton fixture this Saturday may come too early for Tavernier, there is hope that Solanke could return in time for the game.

There is further positive news regarding long-term absentees Ryan Fredericks, David Brooks and Junior Stanislas, with all three back in training with the first team.

Speaking after the Forest game, Stephens shared with the Daily Echo: "I think if we had lost going into that two-week break, it would have been a tough two weeks, maybe a little bit low.

“But to get that point, it gives us something to build on. It's a positive for us obviously, we've got two weeks now to get a few lads back fit and regroup.”

Struggling for form, the further blow of missing players makes Cherries’ job that much harder.

Asked whether injuries in the camp impacted the side mentally at all, Stephens replied: “No, I don't think it affects the mood, or the confidence.

“We've got a good squad here.

“Whether someone drops out and someone else comes in, we have confidence in every player in the squad, so we don't see it as a negative.

“But obviously, the longer it goes on, it does become difficult because you need a squad, especially in this league to be able to compete.

“So if we can get the lads back fit, which I know we've got a few coming back soon, it's going to be a massive boost for us.”