GARY O'Neil ruled David Brooks out of an emotional return this weekend, but confirmed the winger is getting "close" to full fitness.

Brooks has not featured for Cherries since September 2021, having received a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma shortly afterwards, missing the remainder of the season.

Thankfully, Brooks revealed he had been given the all-clear from cancer in May 2022, and returned to Cherries training over the summer.

The 25-year-old started for the development squad in a friendly against Brentford in August.

However, he suffered a hamstring injury early on in that contest and has been working his way back since.

A virus earlier this season then set Brooks back, but he has been part of first-team training sessions in recent weeks, pictured in the club's preparations to face Man City.

Asked for an update on the Wales international, O'Neil said: "He won’t be involved at the weekend.

"He’s been in modified training this week, so he’s done some stuff with the lads and isn’t at full throttle yet, but is close."

Quizzed on a timescale around Brooks's return, O'Neil added: "It depends how the week goes really. Obviously a situation that you don’t come across that often with what David has been through.

"The injuries as well over the last few months. So we see how each day goes.

"Obviously if I had my wish, I’d have him back in yesterday. But it’s important we make sure we do it progressively and I’m sure everyone would love to see him with a Bournemouth shirt back on.

"I can’t wait, I’m sure David can’t wait, so let’s make sure we try and get him back, keep him back and not do anything that is going to be too soon for him."