EDDIE Howe backed sidelined winger Junior Stanislas to bounce back from his latest injury nightmare and return to his very best.

The Cherries boss confirmed Stanislas would miss the rest of the campaign after undergoing an operation on a knee problem.

Howe revealed the former West Ham and Burnley man is set for a summer of rehabilitation with a view to returning to action next season.

He told the Daily Echo: “Junior will be fine. He has had a few injuries in his career so I don’t think it is new to him. He knows the process he is going to have to go through.

“The knee will need to be rehabbed properly and he will need to be very careful early on but I see no reason why he cannot get back to his very best levels.

“The medical team were worried about his cruciate but it's an anterior injury - the better of the two evils. He had an operation and we're happy with how that has gone.

“Whether he will make pre-season or the start of next season, we don’t know. We will have to see how his rehab goes."

Stanislas sustained the problem during Cherries’ 2-2 draw at Watford on Saturday.

The winger was helped off the pitch on the stroke of half-time and exited Vicarage Road on crutches and with his knee in a supportive brace.

Having been troubled by hamstring and groin problems during the first half of the campaign, he recently described the current season as the “most frustrating” of his career.

But Howe insisted Stanislas remained upbeat following his latest set-back and would receive vast support from those around him.

“When I have seen Junior he has had a big smile on his face. He is very positive about the future and he is not too down,” added the Cherries boss.

“When you are injured you need a really good family around you and support from the closest people to you. The advice they give you is everything.

“Of course, we have players who have been in some dark places regarding injuries. Those experiences I am sure will be passed on to Junior and can help him at this moment.

“In some senses it might be a positive thing for him to sort out other issues he has had this season with quite a few groin and hamstring problems.

“It might give him a chance to build those up areas and make sure he is robust enough next season to get through what will be a challenging campaign.

“If you know what the injury is, it has been treated, and you are on the road to recovery you are in a good place because you know every day you are getting better and stronger. Fingers crossed Junior will have no problems.”

Howe revealed skipper Simon Francis’s hamstring injury would be assessed ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Crystal Palace (3pm).

Adam Smith remains out with a knee problem but is hopeful to return before the end of the campaign. Striker Lys Mousset could return from illness.