CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe admitted luckless Tyrone Mings had suffered a hitch in his bid to return from his latest injury nightmare.

Howe had hoped Mings would be available for a demanding series of festive fixtures but today revealed the former Ipswich Town defender would likely be out for "a period of time" after his back problem resurfaced.

The 24-year-old has not featured for Cherries in more than three months, leaving Howe's backline options limited with Brad Smith also out and Rhoys Wiggins a long-term absentee. However, Adam Smith will return from suspension for tomorrow's trip to Manchester United (8pm).

Mings has made just 14 appearances since joining Cherries in the summer of 2015, a serious knee injury sustained minutes into his Premier League debut against Leicester City playing a substantial role in that unwanted statistic.

Reflecting on the centre-half's setback, Howe told the Daily Echo: "Tyrone felt a bit of discomfort again so we're having to withdraw slightly from where he was.

"We went down the treatment route which we were advised, which was four weeks of rest and then a gradual return. He felt good during that process but it was only when he was really returning to training that he felt the problem again.

"We'll let you know more in due course but it looks as if he will be out for a period of time.

"It's a disappointment for us because he was very close. We're going to seek specialist opinion from, hopefully, some of the best people in the world in that area and then we will await feedback.

"It's very difficult for Tyrone because you want clarity. You want to know the problem and how long you are going to be out and then you can focus on returning to play.

"He will want definitive answers and, hopefully, he will get them."

Mings was in March handed a five-match ban for an alleged stamp on Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford, although he protested the incident had been accidental and was backed by his club.

Ibrahimovic was suspended for three games for elbowing Mings moments later, while Andrew Surman was shown a second yellow card for his part in the melee which followed.

Asked if he foresaw a legacy from that game when the teams meet again, Howe added: "I don't think so. It got the headlines because of one incident and I think that's been put to bed, so I don't envisage any problems."