Eddie Howe has confirmed he has a number of injury concerns ahead of the weekend’s Premier League game against Liverpool at Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries were dealt a blow on Thursday afternoon when it was confirmed Lewis Cook would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury,
The boss also revealed that Dan Gosling would miss the game against Liverpool.
“Losing any player at this moment is a big blow,” Howe said in his pre-match press conference.
“Rotation at this stage of the season is important. We’ve got a good squad and it’s at these kinds of moments when we’ll need to make full use of that.
“Whilst the injuries are a blow and obviously not what we wanted, it’s a chance for someone else to step in to the side.
“Dan [Gosling] is still out at this moment. We’re waiting for a diagnosis on his knee problem, so he’ll definitely miss the weekend’s game.
“It’s never an ideal time of year to lose any players, but certainly not two players in the same position.
“Lewis is okay, but naturally disappointed. He’s already planning and plotting his comeback.
“The first step for Lewis is to get the operation out of the way this weekend. We of course will be with him every step of the way and wish him well as he begins his journey back.”
The manager also highlighted Callum Wilson, saying Cook can take inspiration from his team-mates’ two previous recoveries from long-term knee injuries.
Howe added: “I see Callum as a good one for Lewis to look to. There are other people in the squad that can help and support Lewis, but for Callum having being there twice there’s a natural progression for Lewis to look at.
“I’m sure he’ll be asking Callum about the things he did during his rehab and how he has come back and reached the levels he’s currently at.
“For me, the most important thing is that Lewis adopts Callum’s positivity. I know he will and we’re excited to see him come back stronger than ever.”
