Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe admits key attacking duo Callum Wilson and David Brooks are still “a way away” from returning to action.
England striker Wilson and Wales winger Brooks have scored 16 of the Cherries’ 37 Premier League goals this term, as well as contributing a combined total of nine assists.
Top scorer Wilson has been absent for the last month with a knee problem, while Brooks has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury.
Howe will once again have to cope without the influential pair when Wolves visit the Vitality Stadium on Saturday seeking to return to winnings ways.
“They’re improving quickly,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
“But this game has come too quickly for them, it’s very difficult to know when they will return.
“We haven’t seen them in training yet or on the grass yet so they’re still a way away.”
Bournemouth, in 11th place, welcome Wolves to the south coast having had a two-week break due to last week’s FA Cup action.
The Cherries go into the game on the back of successive defeats after losing at Cardiff and Liverpool without scoring in the absence of Wilson and Brooks.
Howe, who resisted the temptation to take his squad abroad for warm-weather training, is keen to get back on track as his side pursue a top-half finish.
“I think you’re looking for that next game to try and eradicate those feelings and memories,” he added.
“I think we’re very keen to get back playing, it feels like a long time. We’ve kept things interesting and fresh for the players, but there’s nothing like playing.
“I still think the possibilities are there for us this season. I think it’s going to be down to us between now and the end of the season.
“We’ve got to show the consistency that we really want to deliver. We’ve got some tough games to come.”
Seventh-placed Wolves have enjoyed a fine first season back in the top flight following promotion last year.
Howe has been impressed with their seamless progression under Nuno Espirito Santo.
“They’ve made the transition look easy which, as we know, it definitely isn’t,” he said. “It’s an incredibly hard process to go through.
“They’ve been, in the main, consistent and they’ve got some big results throughout the season that I think lifted their confidence and now they’re in a very good moment.
“We know it’s going to be a challenging game for us.”
