UPBEAT Steve Cook revealed how the Cherries camp would rally round Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings during their long road back to fitness.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe today confirmed that £8million summer signing Mings would miss the rest of the season after tearing his medial cruciate ligament and anterior cruciate ligament in the 1-1 draw with Leicester.

And Howe also admitted that Gradel, recruited from St Etienne last month for £6million, faced six months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament, an injury also sustained against the Foxes.

While defender Cook admitted that the duo faced tough times ahead, he stressed that the whole squad would be at their side every step of the way.

Cook told the Daily Echo: “It’s really bad news for the two lads as they are massive injuries.

“These are the times where you need everyone to help you along the way. Being injured can get quite lonely, so it’s nice to have people around you to keep you going when you are going through dark times.

“We have a good bunch of lads here and I know we will keep their spirits up.

“It can come down to the small things like having a laugh and a joke but of course if we can get the wins on the pitch then they will appreciate that as well, as when they come back they will benefit from it.”

Left-back Charlie Daniels was another player to suffer injury against Leicester six days ago and Cook believes that the Cherries squad must show its strength when the Premier League returns after the international break.

The 24-year-old added: “Occasions like this are why you have a squad. No one wishes an injury on anyone but as bad as it sounds, now it’s time for someone to step up.

“Max started the season really well for us so now there is a chance for one of the wingers to come in and get some goals and assists.

“We picked up two injuries at left-back against Leicester which was a freak occurrence but that will give someone an opportunity to show their worth.

“That’s what the squad is for and that’s why the club has brought in top-quality players so that they can slip in when the time is right.”

Gradel, who represented the Ivory Coast at the 2014 World Cup, had been in the throes of his fourth Premier League appearance for Cherries when he suffered his injury.

Mings had come on for the second half in place of the injured Daniels but lasted just six minutes of his Premier League debut before he had to exit the action.