Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil says they must be careful with David Brooks' playing return.

Brooks has not featured competitively for Cherries since a 0-0 draw at Peterborough United in the Championship in September 2021.

Shortly afterwards, the Wales international was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent a lengthy course of treatment.

Former Manchester City trainee Brooks then announced in May of this year that he had been given the all clear and was can

Asked if he can see Brooks being back available to be in the Cherries team after the World Cup break, O'Neil said: “David Brooks is coming along really well.

“We haven't put a timeframe on it, because we have a break in the middle (of the season) that allows people time to assess.

“It's a unique situation this season obviously, with a mini break and a mini pre-season type situation in the middle of it.

“So that will give everybody with longer-term injuries or niggles a chance to really recover and make sure they're in prime condition when we come back.

“The thought of David Brooks is just, let's see where we are after the break, see how he does, see how he comes along and take it step by step."

O'Neil added: “I'd love David Brooks in the team. I think he'll be huge for us.

“But we obviously need to remember that he's been off the pitch for a very long time.

“David Brooks's health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance." cer free.