MANAGER Eddie Howe revealed playmaker David Brooks has had his “best week in terms of his rehab” as he continues his recovery from injury.

Brooks suffered ankle ligament damage during a pre-season friendly at Brentford in July and has since undergone two operations in a bid to get back up to full speed.

He is now continuing his rehab at Cherries.

Asked about the Warrington-born star’s progress, Howe said: “It’s very difficult for me to give you a definitive return date but he’s probably had his best week in terms of rehab this week.

“His ankle has felt stronger, there has been minimal pain in there.

“He has had his best week to date, but he’s still got some way to go.”

Brooks burst on to the scene in the top flight last campaign following a £10million move from Sheffield United.

He scored seven times and recorded five assists in 30 Premier League games.

Howe also provided an update on Arnaut Danjuma and Lloyd Kelly, who are both nursing respective foot and thigh problems.

“They are in similar boats, they are working well,” said the Cherries boss, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Burnley (3pm).

“They are both on the grass, not training with us yet but both on the grass and stepping up their respective rehabs.

“Our long-termers are still out. No-one will be returning for this game but they are making good progress.

“We hope to have them for some stage of the run-in. I don’t know exactly when they will be but we have a group of four players who are getting close slowly.”

Quizzed on how key it would be to have more faces back in his squad, Howe said: “They are players who can make a difference, all of them. You add Chris Mepham to that, who we are very keen to get back as well.

“Hopefully it will give us a big lift if we can get those players fit for some games towards the back end of the season. It’s very important they come back soon.”