MARCUS Browning is an injury doubt for Cherries' trip to Sheffield Wednesday after picking up a calf problem in the midweek reserves outing.

The influential midfielder reported a tight calf in the last five minutes as the Cherries first team slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Swindon and has been undergoing intensive treatment in an attempt to make Saturday's Coca-Cola League One clash at Hillsborough (3pm kick-off.)

Browning told the Daily Echo: "I stretched for the ball in the last few minutes and it felt like cramp. But it was tight afterwards and was pretty sore the next day. But it has improved since and I'll be having some more treatment - I just hope I'll be all right."

The ex-Gillingham star, who was only fit enough for a place on the bench last weekend because of his ongoing groin problem, saw the irony of the new injury when he said: "I'm pleased that my groin is absolutely fine now - it is just my calf that is the problem!"

Manager Sean O'Driscoll, who declined to talk to the Daily Echo after our reporting of the Swindon loss, will surely be hoping he can call on the experienced campaigner as his side attempt to halt their run of three straight defeats.

He could, however, point to the omens of last season when Cherries took six points out of six from their illustrious opponents who were relegated from the Premiership just five seasons ago.

Meanwhile, Steve Fletcher, Jason Tindall and Steve Purches are all moving closer to fitness as they recover from their respective injuries but will not feature for the trip to Yorkshire.

Fletcher and Tindall are progressing well from their knee problems while Purches' ankle knock is also improving.

Cherries physio Jim Marshall said: "They are all coming on well and should be back in training in about 10 days."

Diogo Andrade is back in full training after his knee problem while Wade Elliott was putting his broken toe through its paces at Canford on Thursday as he attempts to make the Wednesday encounter.

Elliott has been sidelined with the injury since the home win over Wrexham last month but is expected to return to the squad on Saturday.