BOSS Eddie Howe is hoping to see Lewis Cook “back better than ever” as he continues to make strong progress recovering from a serious knee injury.

The England international is expected to be out for between six to nine months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Huddersfield in December.

Cook has this week been pictured working with the ball during Cherries' mid-season training camp in Dubai.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “He is doing well, as I probably expected him to, in terms of his rehab and how he is looking after himself.

“He comes in very positive, very bright and bubbly which is great to see.

“I’m sure he has his moments where he is a little bit down and naturally, when you have a long-term injury, there are difficult times in the journey.

“But I think he is making really good progress and the physios and doctors are very happy with him. Hopefully we will see him back better than ever next year.”