Brooks ‘positive’ on full recovery from lymphoma

Bournemouth forward David Brooks will undergo treatment next week after revealing he is suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma.

The illness was detected by the Wales medical team, and he withdrew from their squad last week for the World Cup qualifiers. Tests showed he is at stage two of the blood cancer.

The 24-year-old, who played in the Premier League after moving to Bournemouth from Sheffield United, says the prognosis is “positive” and he hopes to continue his career after his recovery.

“This is a very difficult message for me to write. I have been diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma and will begin a course of treatment next week,” Brooks (right) said in a statement. “Although this has come as a shock to myself and my family, the prognosis is a positive one and I am confident that I will make a full recovery and be back playing as soon as possible. I’d like to show my appreciation to the doctors, nurses, consultants and staff who have been treating me for their profesit sionalism, warmth and understanding during this period. “I want to thank everyone at the Football Association of Wales because without the swift attention of their medical team we may not have detected the illness. I look forward to seeing you all again and playing the sport I love very soon.” Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said the club would support Brooks through his treatment and recovery. “We’re not putting any timescales on his return; we will give David all the time he needs to get well and will do everything that we possibly can to help with that,” said Blake.