Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe is back in training this week.

The Daily Mail says Defoe is back in training with the Bournemouth first-team and is in contention for a return to the substitutes' bench when Eddie Howe's side take on Newcastle this weekend.

Defoe, 35, has been absent with a fractured ankle since suffering the injury in a challenge by Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu during Bournemouth 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat on December 20.

The veteran striker, who signed a three year contract with Bournemouth last summer, scored three goals for the club in the Premier League appearances before his spell on the sidelines.