AFC Bournemouth head coach Jonathan Woodgate insisted “strong individual” Lewis Cook had the mental toughness to overcome his latest injury setback.
Cook is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee – for the second time in his career.
The midfielder sustained the injury during a coming-together with Greg Cunningham in the second half of the Cherries’ 1-1 draw at Preston on Saturday.
Cook suffered the same fate during the Cherries' 2-1 win over Huddersfield at Vitality Stadium in December 2018, ruling him out for ten months.
The 24-year-old has featured in 31 of the Cherries’ 35 games in the Championship this season, netting a stunning goal in the 4-2 win over Reading in November.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Barnsley on Saturday, Woodgate said: “Lewis was playing some really good football and was having a fantastic season, even before I came here.
“He’ll be back fitter and stronger. I know what type of lad he is and his personality is fantastic. He’ll have his family and his girlfriend supporting him.
“The squad are gutted for him. It’s a tough time when you are injured so it’s going to be a difficult period for Lewis but he will get back, that’s the biggest thing.
“He’s been in this situation before so he knows what it takes, that’s the thing. He knows what he has to do now.
“He’s disappointed, which he’s going to be, but he’s already got his head around what he needs to do.
“He knows the processes he needs to go through. He’s a strong individual and knows exactly what it’s going to take to get back.”
Asked how he used to cope with injuries during his career, Woodgate replied: “The only person who can deal with it is you.
“You get support from the staff at the football club and your family but you’ve got to be mentally tough and deal with it. He will do that.
“I know what he’s like as a character. I love him as a character and adore his personality. He’s the type of lad that you would go to war with, he’s one of those types of character.”
Woodgate confirmed striker Sam Surridge would be available for selection against the Tykes having recovered from a toe injury which has kept him out for three games.
Philip Billing (groin) is also in contention after sitting out the Preston game but Diego Rico (groin) is again expected to miss out although could return next week.
Giving an update on David Brooks, who has missed the past five games with an ankle problem, Woodgate said: “Hopefully he’ll be back after the international break. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him but I’ve seen him running.
“His last ankle injury was a different type of injury and took a bit longer. I’m pleased with how he’s going and he’s looking good with the running he’s doing with the physios and sports scientists.”
Barnsley arrive at Vitality Stadium boasting a ten-match unbeaten league run which included a club record seven wins in succession in the second tier.
Valerien Ismael’s team climbed into the play-off places thanks to wins over Brentford, Blackburn, Bristol City, Stoke, Millwall, QPR and Birmingham.
A 0-0 draw with Derby at Oakwell on Wednesday saw the Tykes edge two points clear of the Cherries who are one place behind them in seventh.
Woodgate said: “It’s a fantastic achievement. He’s done really well since he’s gone in there. He’s changed their style of play, they are difficult to beat, they are direct, they press high and like every Championship game, it’s going to be really difficult.”
