Eddie Howe says he is happy to remain patient with Jack Wilshere in order to help him excel during his time at Bournemouth.
The midfielder joined the Cherries on a season-long loan from Arsenal on transfer deadline day and, having been left out of the most recent England squad, has been working on his fitness with the Cherries.
Wilshere completed 45 minutes in a friendly against AC Milan last Saturday and has been eased into training, with Howe carefully managing his workload.
The 24-year-old played just three times for Arsenal last season after fracturing his leg in August 2015 and Howe is understandably keen not to overwork him.
Saturday sees Bournemouth host West Brom, a game they are 2.10 to win, with the draw 3.20 and the Baggies 3.80.
Wilshere could be in line to make his debut, with the Cherries still looking for their first win of the season after taking just a single point from their opening three matches.
The boss says he is keen not to put pressure on the playmaker to prove his fitness and is happy to manage his workload in order to ensure he does not suffer another injury that could hinder the Dorset club’s survival bid.
“He has not completed all of the training,” Howe told BBC Radio Solent.
“We have had to manage his training time on the pitch to make sure we get the balance right between getting him fitter and making sure he does not break down.
“There are certain players who have had serious injuries in their careers that we have to manage. We have to fine-tune the workload that they get.”
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