CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe revealed summer signing Lloyd Kelly would be “back in weeks not months” after the ankle injury he sustained in training.

The £13million acquisition from Bristol City will miss tomorrow’s Premier League opener against Sheffield United at Vitality Stadium (3pm).

He is ruled out along with the likes of David Brooks (ankle), Dan Gosling (hip), Lewis Cook (knee), Junior Stanislas (hamstring) and Simon Francis (knee).

Giving an update on the England under-21 international, Howe said: “It’s such a shame for Lloyd, you look at the incident that led to his injury – a tackle in training and there was nothing he could do about it.

“It’s one of those things you just have to accept and roll with it. Hopefully it’s not long-term – he will be back in weeks not months.

“He started so well as well, I think that’s the really disappointing thing. He is a really strong, really athletic player with a great attitude.”

Howe did reveal defenders Charlie Daniels and Steve Cook would be in contention to start against the Blades after coming through respective pre-season games against Lazio and Lyon unscathed.

Daniels had required surgery on his kneecap, while Cook underwent an operation on a groin problem over the summer.

“I’d say they are fully fit. I’d have no problems with either player,” said Howe.

“They have been out a long period of time but come back in line with what I thought they would have done with their attitudes, commitment and professionalism to the team and the group.

“They have come back in and given the lads a big lift.”