“I think the players will be focussed on the football side because they are used to it.”
Iraola has no doubts Lockyer will receive a warm welcome at the Vitality Stadium.
“Since the first seconds (after) it happened, everyone was very clear that the most important thing that mattered was for him to recover,” the Cherries boss said.
“The most important thing is he is much better. He has recovered well and I am happy to know that he is doing well.
Love him already
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth)
“It will be amazing if he comes and we can see him. I am happy to know he is doing well.”
Bournemouth fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Sheffield United on Saturday with a stoppage-time equaliser from Enes Unal.
Iraola is expecting just as stern a test against the Hatters, who could lift themselves out of the relegation zone if they win on Wednesday night.
“Luton and almost all of the teams, we are in a battle. All of the teams need the points and it’s important,” he said.
“The later you play, the more important the points are because you don’t have so many chances after.
“They are a team that have changed a little bit since the last time we played them here, they are much more aggressive in the press and are keeping more possession.
“They are playing more from the back, they have very good midfielders and then they have a lot of pace.
“We have to prepare for a very different game than the one we played the other day against Sheffield United.”
Andoni Iraola on s fitness
He finished better in the Sheffield Utd game than the previous one against Burnley and I expect him to be available. The last few weeks he felt it worsen and now he s feeling better, so I hope he doesn t lose any more game time.
— Premier League (@premierleague)
Dominic Solanke had not trained fully in the run-up to the Sheffield United game as he managed a knee issue, but completed 90 minutes so should feature again.
“He has not been affected by the injury, performance wise,” said Iraola, who remains without defender Marcos Senesi because of a thigh problem.
“He finished better in the game than the previous one against Burnley.”
