Bournemouth defender Warren Cummings has bad injury news.
Bournemouth star defender Warren Cummings was in tears after discovering he would miss the first two months of the season.
The Scottish left back, 24, has been out of action since breaking both his tibula and fibula in the 3-0 League One away win at Swindon in March.
Cummings was expected to be back in time for the first game of the season in August, but recent scans showed that the injury had not healed properly.
He was told that a plate needed to be inserted, meaning an October comeback is more likely - and the bad news was too much for the former Chelsea youngster to take.
"I went for a check-up thinking it would just be a case of getting the cast off and stepping things up," Cummings told the Bournemouth Daily Echo.
"But I was looking at the X-ray myself while I was waiting to see the specialist and I knew that it wasn't right. The bones were still slightly at an angle - basically, one part had healed better than the other for some reason.
"The doctor was having a look at the leg and it was still moving - it was obvious, even to me, that it hadn't healed properly.
"When he saw it, he originally said that I would be back fit for Christmas - it was a massive blow. I just broke down in tears when I heard that.
"He told me it needed to be sorted out and they would have to put a plate in and pin it. So I was kept in and they did the operation that day."
Although disappointed with the setback Cummings - one of Dean Court's most popular players - remained upbeat.
He added: "There was a bit of good news after the operation because it turns out that if everything goes according to plan now, I should be back in October.
"Obviously, October is a lot better to hear than Christmas. I've seen another X-ray since and at least the bone is straight now and the plate and screws mean it is definitely going to heal now.
"That should mean I will be up to the level of fitness that I was before the injury, probably around December time - it is just unfortunate that it is later than I thought it would be."
Meanwhile, Malaysian international Lim Chan Yew is to return to Bournemouth following a successful trial spell at the back end of last season.
Yew - who can play in both defence and midfield - will take part in the Dorset club's pre-season friendlies and the Malaysian Football Association are pressing for the EU work permit that will alow him to play competitive matches.
