Back in December AFC Bournemouth were rocked by the injury to AFC Bournemouth captain Simon Francis.
The veteran defender may not have been everyone’s first choice for selection this season with the fierce competition for places in the Cherries defence, but his influence on and off the pitch cannot be questioned after being one of the mainstays in the squad from the lower league days right through to now a fourth season in the Premier League.
The 34-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day.
Following scans, it was confirmed that he was expected to keep him out for between six and nine months.
But during the squad’s warm weather training camp in Dubai last week, Francis confirmed that his rehabilitation was going well and he was confident for the future.
AFC Bournemouth captain Simon Francis was quoted by the Daily Echo saying…
“Every day is tough on the road to recovery, mentally as well as physically because you know you have to put yourself through the pain barriers.
“I’m really happy. I’m ahead of schedule by a couple of weeks, which is great, and passing all the tests.
“Coming out here (to Dubai) is great. The facilities, as we have seen when we have been here in years before, are second to none.
“It’s nice to have a change of scenery, change the mindset a little and a little bit of warm weather always makes the knee feel better. It’s great to be out here with the lads.“
Your say…
Tinpot Club wrote…
If Mings leaves (on a permanent deal in the summer ), with Chris Mepham signing, the balance of our Centre Backs options would be much better. Aké as the Left Centre Back with Jack Simpson first back up. Then we’d have Cook (who could also back up Aké) competing with Mepham for the Right Centre Back.
I’d expect Simon Francis to be back by the start of next season. Whether he’ll still be the same player is up for debate, but he’d be a more than adequate 5th Centre Back. – Join the conversation, click here.
