BOSS Eddie Howe is hopeful defender Steve Cook avoided any long-term damage after he pulled up injured ahead of Cherries’ opening pre-season friendly.

Cook, a linchpin of the Cherries defence during their inaugural campaign in the Premier League, felt his thigh during the warm-up before the 4-0 win over Minnesota on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old is due to have a precautionary scan over the weekend, although Howe anticipates he will only be sidelined for around two weeks.

Striker Benik Afobe is expected to return to light training at the start of next week after also sitting out the friendly in America due to a knee problem.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Benik had a scan and everything looks good with the knee so we’re hopeful it’s not too bad. We are hopeful none of the injuries are serious.”

Andrew Surman and Ryan Fraser, who were both rested against Minnesota, are set to feature when Cherries visit Portsmouth in Alan McLoughlin’s benefit match tomorrow (3pm).

However, loan signing Nathan Ake is expected to be rested as a precaution, while defender Baily Cargill is unlikely to be involved due to a minor groin injury.

New signing Emerson Hyndman, who injured his ankle on the first day of pre-season training, will not feature, while Adam Smith and Tyrone Mings are also set to again miss out.