Cherries picking up too many injuries

Bournemouth are on their worst losing run (five Premier League games) since winning promotion in 2014-15 and their chances of stopping the rot look slim with several injured players ruled out of Saturday trip to Chelsea.

The Cherries' problems mounted last weekend with Nathan Ake and Callum Wilson having to be withdrawn during the 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool.

They have joined Adam Smith, Steve Cook, Junior Stanislas, David Brooks Charlie Daniels, Joshua King and Lloyd Kelly in a crowded treatment room, meaning as many as nine senior players could be unavailable at Stamford Bridge.

Eddie Howe may feel under pressure to take risks with one or two but there could be a massive downside if any more players breakdown just before the busiest period of the season.

Bournemouth are only one point above the drop zone and their Christmas and New Year schedule includes key matches away to fellow strugglers Brighton and West Ham.

There is one piece of good news for Howe because Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson - ineligible to face his parent club last week - is back in contention.

Oxford stretched before busy period

Oxford are on a 17-match unbeaten run but were below par in Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Shrewsbury and for good reason because injuries are mounting up.

Jamie Hanson (hamstring) was injured in training last week and Anthony Forde (broken ribs) and James Henry (thigh) failed to finish the weekend fixture.

Ben Woodburn (foot) Cameron Brannagan (knee) and Shandon Baptiste (groin) were unable to face the Shrews, prompting Oxford manager Karl Robinson to bemoan his luck at a key stage of the season.

He said: "We're about to enter Christmas with this crazy injury crisis, but we'll deal with it. We'll roll with the punches and I won't get too down with that."

Robinson faces a tricky selection for the match at MK Dons but has not ruled out Brannagan and Baptiste returning to the squad.

Midfielder Alex Gorrin is available after suspension.

Posh problems continue

Peterborough's classy three-pronged attack – Marcus Maddison, Ivan Toney, Mo Eisa – have not played together in a league match since early November and may not be back together for the clash at home to Bolton.

The Posh were without the suspended Toney for last month's 1-0 win at home to Burton and illness ruled Maddison out of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Portsmouth.

Those were good results under the circumstances and Posh manager Darren Ferguson may face another tricky selection because Maddison remains under the weather.

Ferguson said: "Marcus must be a doubt again. He didn't train last week and when he turned up at the training ground on Monday, the doctor sent him straight home.

"He's clearly got a bad virus, possibly even the flu."

Elsewhere in the camp, George Boyd and Joe Ward could be in the frame to return but Josh Knight, Frazer Blake-Tracy and Sikiri Dembele will not play again this year.

Lincoln's Bostwick boost

Lincoln have been without a few key players this season but received a major boost at Burton on Saturday with influential defender Michael Bostwick making his first appearance since September.

Bostwick, who can also play in midfield, came off the bench to replace captain Jason Shackell and helped his team secure an impressive 2-0 victory.

Imps manager Appleton is hoping that Shackall's injury will not be to serious but was delighted to have Bostwick back on board.

He said: "Shacks has been one of out most consistent performers since I've been at the club but it was great to have someone of Bozzy's experience on the bench."

Bostwick was a key man for Lincoln in last season's promotion push, as was midfielder Michael O'Connor, who has missed the last month with a hamstring injury.

O'Connor is not expected to be out for much longer but winger Bruno Andrade will not feature again until February.

Scunny's midfield dilemma

Scunthorpe have improved since their dismal start to the campaign but their revival (one defeat in nine) is under threat because first-choice midfielders Matt Lund and Levi Sutton are suspended for the home match with Colchester.

Midfield is an area where Scunny's squad is low on numbers and they have been further stretched because of the recent absence of Yann Songo'o with a dislocated toe.

The Cameroonian has not featured for over a month but could be involved this weekend after returning to full training.

Experienced defender James Perch is another midfield option, having played there a few times this season.

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