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Callum Wilson backed by Simon Francis ahead of Bournemouth return

Bournemouth's Callum Wilson celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game v Arsenal during the Premier League match at the Vitality on Jan 2017.
Image: Callum Wilson will make his long-awaited return from injury for Bournemouth's U23s

Bournemouth captain Simon Francis has backed striker Callum Wilson to hit the ground running on his return from injury for the reserve squad on Wednesday.

Following a second serious knee injury in 15 months, Wilson is set to make a comeback in the club reserve side's Premier League Cup match against Norwich City at the Vitality Stadium.

Although Wilson has been limited to just 33 Premier League appearances over last two seasons, Francis reckons the 25-year-old has returned to training at high fitness levels.

Callum Wilson of Bournemouth talks with medical staffs on the sideline during the Barclays Premier League v Stoke on September 26, 2016.
Image: Wilson has not played since suffering a second cruciate knee ligament injury at Crystal Palace in January

"Callum has come back stronger and is feeling more positive than ever," Francis told the Daily Echo.

"From what I've seen, he can definitely get back to his best. He is hitting or even breaking his max speed which he has had for the past few years, he is looking stronger in the gym and his ball work seems great.

"His return is massive for our team spirit and morale. He really is one of the lively lads of the bunch, he is excellent around the place and always up for a laugh."

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is keen on having Wilson as another attacking option, with his side managing just four goals in the first seven league games of the campaign.

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Wilson has not played since January when he suffered a second cruciate knee ligament injury against Crystal Palace.