EDDIE Howe feels "ups and downs" are to be expected with Max Gradel as the winger bids to recapture his best form in a Cherries shirt.

Gradel, sidelined for six months by a serious knee injury last term, has played just 41 minutes of Premier League football so far this season with his only two starts coming in the EFL Cup.

The Ivory Coast international played all 120 minutes of the surprise home defeat to Championship outfit Preston on Tuesday.

Boss Howe believes Gradel is still on the way back to becoming "a huge player" for Cherries and said his focus was on the wide man's long-term future.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "When you come back from as serious an injury as Max had, initially when he came back into the team at the back end of last season, he was very good.

"I think naturally he had that period where the adrenaline rush had gone and he had to find his form and fitness again and he's in that moment now where he is coming back to his very best levels.

"He could be a huge player for us if we can get him back to his very best.

"It's very hard to come back after nearly a year out and be firing and then maintain that. I'd say it's almost impossible.

"There will be ups and downs. It's the same with Tyrone Mings and Callum Wilson. With these players we need to treat them carefully and make sure they are back for the long term."