The steely Serbian has sat out the Blues' last three games - against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Hull - due to a groin problem, with Florentino Luis taking his spot in midfield alongside Exequiel Palacios.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's game against the in-form Cherries, a side who have won seven straight games across all competitions, O'Neil said of his influential midfielder: "He's trained well again this morning. We've just come off the grass and he was excellent in that midfield position.

"We did some important tactical stuff today and Sasa was involved in some of that. So there's no reason that Sasa couldn't start the game at the weekend."

Lukic being available means O'Neil can select from all 27 of his first team players, meaning seven won't make the matchday squad.

"Everybody is available which made for a tricky training session today," admitted O'Neil.

"There's lots of organisation to do, but everyone is ready to go."