Monday 21 August 2017 08:53, UK
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says Jermain Defoe did not start at the weekend because the forward is not as fit as the club would like.
England international Defoe joined the Cherries from Sunderland over the summer but has yet to start in the Premier League, coming on for the last half-hour of Saturday's 2-0 loss to Watford.
However, he will be in the line-up from the off on Tuesday night at Birmingham in the Carabao Cup, as Howe's side look to kick-start their season.
Bournemouth have lost their first two Premier League games of the campaign, without scoring a goal in either.
And, when asked if it had been a tough call to leave out Defoe on Saturday, Howe said: "Not really. We just think he's not where he needs to be fitness-wise.
"Jermain needs some more work and he'll get an opportunity on Tuesday. I think starting a game is always a good indicator."
Defoe is keen to force his way into the starting Premier League line-up and said: "Itching to start? Yes, of course I am.
"Everybody wants to play and I think the manager knows I'm ready now.
"I remember I missed a couple of pre-season games with Sunderland but I played the first game of the season and I felt sharp, so it doesn't take me long to get my fitness. Like I said, everyone wants to play, not just me.
"The cup match will be an opportunity for me because I missed a few pre-season games, and I came back late because of the internationals."
