BOSS Eddie Howe is confident Max Gradel will return to play some part in the remainder of Cherries’ maiden Premier League campaign.

Gradel has been sidelined for three months since sustaining a serious knee injury during Cherries’ 1-1 draw with Leicester in August.

The winger, a £7million summer signing from St Etienne, ruptured his cruciate ligament in just his fourth top-flight appearance for the club.

Gradel is one of three Cherries players to have suffered a similar fate with Callum Wilson and Tyrone Mings also convalescing following knee injuries.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “We haven’t seen much of him because he has been doing his rehab abroad but we are in daily contact with him to check on his progress.

“He is on course and is doing well. He is happy with his knee but the time frame given will be the time frame when he is back.

“I am very hopeful we will see him. Providing he doesn’t have any setbacks at this stage and he carries on as he is, I would like to think we will see him, without putting too much pressure on him, in late February.”