Lewis Cook returned to action for Bournemouth against Tottenham Hotspur, after an injury in pre season which saw him miss the opening two fixtures.
The Englishman made his return to the Cherries side in a 2-0 defeat at the Vitality. Goals from James Maddison and Dajan Kulusevski, secured their win.
Cook suffered a hip injury late into preseason and started this game on the bench.
He was entrusted by Andoni Iraola to play the entire second half, in spite of any injury concerns.
The midfielder can step up his return in an EFL Cup second round game against Swansea City.
What has Lewis Cook said?
After playing a starting role throughout preseason, it was disappointing to have him miss Premier League games.
On this point, Cook said: “Obviously it was the worst time to pick up a little nick. Played throughout the whole pre-season and then missed the first game.”
Injuries happen, but for it to happen so close to the start of the season is unfortunate.
But the former Leeds man believes that the preseason will help him: “I still got a preseason baseline behind me and that’s why I can come in and get back on the pitch.
“So happy to be back on the pitch and trying to help the team.”
A positive mindset, looking for silver linings of a negative situation.
Despite a difficult start to the season, the Cherries have played well and gained plaudits.
Talking on the squad as a whole: “We’re a collective group and we’re a close knit group, and whoever’s playing is fully backed by everyone.”
The win is coming, performances have been positive overall and with injured players like Cook and Tyler Adams returning, the squad is getting better.