CHERRIES midfielder Dan Gosling is set to miss the busy festive period after undergoing an operation on a knee problem – but Callum Wilson could return for the trip to Wolves.

Gosling has not played for Cherries since the defeat against Arsenal in November.

Eddie Howe said Gosling is unlikely to feature until the new year.

"Dan Gosling had an operation on a knee problem," said Howe.

"We do not think it is a serious problem that should keep him out for too long, but he had an operation and will probably be out until the new year."

The Cherries boss added: "“Dan is someone who has dramatically improved during his time here.

“He is a very popular team-mate of a lot of the players and you always miss those infectious characters when they are not around.

“We have missed him but we anticipate, touch wood, he is not going to be out for too long.”

Meanwhile, Wilson is in contention for tomorrow's game to Molineux.

The Cherries and England striker missed the 4-0 loss to Liverpool last weekend.

"Callum has recovered well from his slight hamstring strain he had," said Howe. "We are hopeful he will be okay.

"He makes a huge difference. You need your best players fit and available. Callum had an excellent season to this point.

"Physically he has been very good. This is the first problem he has had this season and he did not feel it in the game (against Huddersfield). It was one of those injuries where he felt it after the match.

"We have to be careful with hamstring problems. We know from historical problems we had with players. We do not want to push people too early, so we will wait and see for this game."

Adam Smith and Lewis Cook are both out with long-term knee problems.