Bournemouth winger David Brooks is set to undergo surgery on an ankle injury sustained in training, reports The Sun.
Brooks rolled his ankle in pre-season training and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines less than two weeks before the start of the new season.
The Cherries are also set to be without summer signing Lloyd Kelly for a period of time after their £13m arrival damaged ankle ligaments.
It was only revealed earlier this week that midfielder Dan Gosling could miss three months after suffering a freak training ground injury, as Eddie Howe’s problems start to mount.
The absence of Brooks, in particular, is a hammer blow for Eddie Howe, as the 22-year-old was a revelation for Bournemouth in his first year at the club last season.
Brooks’ displays even earned links with high profile summer moves to Tottenham and Manchester United, but neither materialised.
The Wales international played a direct hand in 12 goals in 30 league appearances in his first ever top-flight campaign (seven goals, five assists).
News of Brooks’ injury will no doubt accelerate Bournemouth’s interest in his international team-mate Harry Wilson.