GARY O’Neil is unable to give a timeframe on the return of Marcus Tavernier, citing that the winger’s injury is “not that clear cut”.

The summer signing showed promise with his early performances this campaign, before finally adding goals and assists to his game to become a star turn for Cherries.

The 23-year-old has been out with a hamstring injury since the World Cup break.

His absence has been noticeable, with Cherries looking blunted in attack since the restart without the former Middlesbrough man.

Tavernier has two goals and four assists this season, with his driving runs from deep a huge component of Cherries’ attacking play.

Pressed for a return date for Tavernier, O’Neil responded: “It's not that clear cut, so I would give you one if I could.

“It'll be somewhere between a couple and a few weeks, I would think so.”

Cherries have a two-week wait for their next fixture following the Nottingham Forest fixture tomorrow (kick-off 3pm), with a trip to Brighton coming on Saturday, February 4.

Again O’Neil was not keen to place a specific date, sharing: “I don't know whether Brighton comes too soon.

“He'll be in and around training around then, I would think, but still a lot to be done and still need to progress him through some stages before we get him back to where he needs to be.”

Defender Ryan Fredericks and veteran Junior Stanislas have also had considerable injury lay-offs, with O’Neil also giving a clearer update on their returns to full fitness.

O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “They both had slight muscle injuries.

“They're both progressing well, they're both back on the grass.

“Should be back in with the group next week, so should be back in training with the group next week.”