LUCKLESS Cherries star Joe Partington looks set to miss the first two months of the season after undergoing surgery to cure a hip injury.

Partington was initially struck down by the problem during a reserve team friendly against the Glenn Hoddle Academy in April.

The midfielder sat out the closing stages of Cherries’ play-off adventure before going under the knife at the end of May.

Partington was told his recovery could take around four months, sidelining him at least until the end of September.

The news was a bitter blow to the 21-year-old, who had been hoping to stake a claim for a place, particularly in light of Danny Hollands’s departure to Charlton.

Partington told the Daily Echo: “Pre-season would have given me an opportunity to impress and it is frustrating. But all I can do is work hard and concentrate on getting myself fit.

“I have been pretty downbeat about the whole situation but the silver lining is that I started my recuperation during the close season. Nobody wants to be injured but, if ever there were a good time to be out, it is now.

“I felt something in my hip during the game but didn’t think it was anything serious to begin with. I tried to let it settle for a week or two but it didn’t get any better so Steve Hard (Cherries’ physio) thought it would be a good idea to see a specialist.

“He had a look at everything and came to the conclusion that I would need an operation. It was a bit of bad news at the end of the season because I knew I wouldn’t have a summer or be a part of pre-season.”

Partington’s symptoms were similar – but far less serious – to the ones that saw team-mate Shaun Cooper ruled out for a lengthy spell during Cherries’ League Two promotion season.

“Coops’ injury was worse than mine and, unfortunately, he was out for eight or nine months,” said Partington. “I have been told I should be around four months.

“But there is no set date and I am just working hard to get back as soon as possible.

“I had a week in bed after the operation and have been in the gym every day since. I haven’t had any time off but the manager has been kind enough to let me have a week later this month. My best friend lives in Dubai so I am going to spend a week there.”