ANDONI Iraola says it is not “impossible” Marcos Senesi could return to action this weekend, as he steps up recovery from his hamstring injury.
The Argentina international has been absent since limping off during the early stages of last month’s 2-0 win at Burnley.
But the 26-year-old could be back available again when Cherries face Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday (3pm).
Asked if that game will come too soon for Senesi, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, because every day he does more things with the group.
“Also these are kind of trainings where we cannot push a lot. They are almost recovery trainings we are doing.
“In between the games, he is able to do it with the team. So I hope he can be in the squad I think.”
But there are still doubts in other areas of the squad, with some players feeling unwell.
Chris Mepham missed Tuesday’s win over Crystal Palace, while Antoine Semenyo and Enes Unal came on from the bench, despite not feeling their best.
Asked for the latest team news update, Iraola said: “Sometimes I am very clear and I tell you this will be and this will not, but this week is going to be difficult.
“Because like I told you after the (Crystal Palace) game, we have some cases of I don’t want to say ‘illness’ but they are not probably feeling 100 per cent, but we still have two days.
“Tomorrow they could come fresh and they are available for the game.
“It is true we have some players who are let’s say in doubtful conditions to perform if the game was today.
“Luckily for us, we still have two days and we hope they can recover and help us.
“They are not fresh injuries, nothing injury-related, but it is true we have some situations we are dealing with day to day.”
Asked how many players are affected, Iraola added: “It is difficult for me to say. If I tell you and then they play on Saturday you will know he has been ill and probably he is not 100 per cent!
“But it is true that we have some doubts, yes.
“Most of the times the players take their own decisions. We cannot decide because they are feeling what they are feeling.
“Some recover very well and the next day they are fine.
“The key for me is if they have a temperature or not. If you have a temperature, probably you will be two or three days with these symptoms and it is difficult to play football with a temperature.
“It is a matter of different situations. But we still have two days and I hope we don’t miss more players.”
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