Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is hopeful that defender Steve Cook will be fit in the coming weeks.

The defender is battling a groin injury that has kept him out of the preseason preparations so far.

While Howe confirmed that Cook is still dealing with the injury, which has been a problem since last December, he believes the player will be fit soon enough.

The Cherries boss told the Daily Echo: "It's the same one (injury) that he had at the back end of last season.

"He played with a groin problem for a long period of time.

"We always knew come the end of the season that he was going to have a period where he needed to get treatment and to rest.

"He's gradually making his way back.

"We hope that he will train this week."

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