CHERRIES boss Scott Parker confirmed Ben Pearson was “away from the club at this present time” after being “not well”.

The midfielder had gone on Cherries’ pre-season training camp to Marbella but was filmed training alongside Lewis Cook, who is continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury.

On the squad’s return to the UK, former Preston man Pearson did not feature during the Dorset club’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday.

Asked by the Daily Echo for an update on Pearson, Parker said: “He’s not well at the moment, so he is just away from the club at this present moment in time.

“We are assessing that as we go.”

Pearson joined the Dorset club back in January, having made the move from Deepdale.

The former Manchester United youngster has played 20 times for the Dorset club in all competitions.

Pearson is set to miss out on the club’s competitive season opener against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup first round on Saturday (3pm).