Cook facing up to nine months out

Lewis Cook has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and could be out for up to nine months, Premier League club Bournemouth have confirmed.

The youngster suffered the injury in the victory over Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night, with a scan the following day revealing the full extent of the damage.

The news comes as a huge blow to both Bournemouth and Cook, who had started eight of the Cherries' last nine Premier League games.

Cook had been hoping to kick on this season after making his England debut in a friendly against Italy back in March, before being named on the stand-by list for the World Cup in Russia, but he is now set to face a huge break in his development as he starts on the long road back to full fitness.

Despite the bad news, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is backing the 21-year-old to bounce back stronger than ever.

"We are all devastated for Lewis," he said after hearing the news.

"It is a huge blow to a very talented player who has been a very important part of our side over the last 18 months.

"But Lewis is a strong character who only has to look around our dressing room for inspiration of how an injury like this is merely a setback and to know that he can come back better than ever.

"He will have the full support and love of everyone at the club throughout the next few months as he receives the very best treatment and rehabilitation possible."