Callum Wilson Injury: Bournemouth Striker out for the Season with Ruptured ACL

Bournemouth have been dealt a damaging blow after the club confirmed striker Callum Wilson will miss the remainder of the 2016-17 campaign due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The Premier League outfit released a statement via their official website on Thursday announcing Wilson's rehabilitation is "expected to last for six months."

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said:

"

We are all devastated for Callum.

What's important now is that he receives the support and love of his family and friends, teammates and everyone associated with AFC Bournemouth.

Callum showed incredible character and determination to come back from a similar set-back last season and we know he has the same strength and will to do the same again.

"

Wilson enjoyed a successful return to the English top flight this season, scoring six goals in 20 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, after suffering another ACL injury in September 2015.

The forward will be devastated to lose out on more months of Premier League football, although ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery highlighted a particular difference between this injury and the one last season:

The 24-year-old's absence is sure to be felt considering he suffered the injury while leading Bournemouth in goals scored this season, netting two more than Junior Stanislas and Joshua King, who have each netted four times in all competitions.

According to Transfermarkt, Wilson missed a total of 30 games over the course of 189 days following his last ACL injury, a worrying prospect for his employers, who are far from guaranteed top-flight football next term.

The south-coast club are seven points above the relegation zone, but without Wilson's goal threat up front, Howe's side could soon find themselves struggling to make further progress.

Bournemouth have scored just seven league goals away from home this season—two of which were scored by Wilson—and their efficacy in foreign territory is only likely to be stunted further without his services.

Howe will feel the injury is poorly timed after the closure of the winter transfer window, meaning he's likely to be left without reinforcements until the end of the season.  

By that point, Bournemouth could find themselves back in the Championship depending on how the next few months shape up.

BBC South broadcaster Kris Temple questioned whether the club has the depth to survive:

It seems likely Norway international King could be promoted to occupy Wilson's place in attack during his absence, while Benik Afobe will also be hoping for more minutes as a result.

Bournemouth—14th in the Premier League—will rue the decision not to bolster their attacking reserves in January following Thursday's announcement, which has dealt their top-flight ambitions a major blow.