CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe revealed Simon Francis’s operation had been a success in the wake of the defender’s Boxing Day agony.

The 33-year-old was stretchered off during the defeat to Tottenham with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, which he sustained having fallen awkwardly on the Wembley Stadium turf.

He is expected to spend between six and nine months on the sidelines.

Giving an update on Francis ahead of Sunday’s trip to Everton, Howe said: “He had his operation on Monday and it was successful and he is starting his recovery now.

“We send our best wishes to him."

Howe will make late calls on Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Nathan Ake but David Brooks is fit.

Dan Gosling has returned to training after a calf problem and fellow midfielder Jefferson Lerma is available having attended the birth of his baby daughter last week.

Howe is hoping Joshua King will be fully recovered from flu.