Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is counting on David Brooks' playing return.

The Wales international is yet to kick a ball competitively for the Dorset club this season, having been plagued by an ankle injury since last summer.

But Howe said: “David has come back. He's back with us. He's getting treatment with us here now.

“He's doing okay. He's doing well. We're happy with his progress.

“It's not always been plain sailing for him. He's had various different feelings and sensations in his ankle.

“It hasn't been a hundred per cent smooth process and that's all the way through.

“But we hope we're on the right path now, we hope he's on that final part to get back to full fitness.

“I'm reluctant to put a date or a timescale on it because it's been too bumpy a road really to do that now. But let's see.

“But I do think mentally he's in a better place now. He's a lot more confident that hopefully he's going to get there."