Bournemouth's David Brooks was named to Gary O'Neil's starting XI for the first time in 598 days when the Cherries faced Manchester United on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was forced into an extended spell on the sidelines after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells, in October 2021.
But after undergoing 18 months of treatment for the disease, Brooks was given the all clear in May 2022.
The midfielder has made four appearances off the bench since March, but Saturday's tie against United marked the first time that Brooks has lined up for the side in over two years.
Discussing his return to football after his cancer ordeal, Brookes admitted to BBC News: 'I think it's probably mellowed me a little bit. You realise that football has been my life for 24 years before I got diagnosed and it all meant nothing in a brief moment.'
Brooks was one of the five changes manager O'Neil made to the starting XI after the side were defeated 2-0 on the road against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Jaidon Anthony and Lewis Cook were also handed their start by the manager over Chris Mepham, Matias Vina and Dango Ouattara, and the Cherries are forced to go without Philip Billing and Joe Rothwell due to injuries.
With 39 points, Bournemouth are all-but convinced of their Premier League survival after a challenging start to 2023 that saw them drawn into the relegation fight.
United are set to secure Champions League football following their 1-0 win against Brooks' side.
The visitors opened proceedings within the first nine minutes at the Vitality Stadium, after Casemiro broke the deadlock.