CHERRIES striker Jermain Defoe is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a fracture to his right ankle.

Defoe suffered the injury when he was fouled by Ethan Ampadu during the early stages of Cherries’ Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old attempted to play through the pain but was eventually forced off in the 17th minute at Stamford Bridge.

Defoe learned the full extent of the injury during a consultation with a specialist on Friday and is expected to be out for between eight to 10 weeks.

His absence will come as a major blow to boss Eddie Howe whose squad has been decimated during the past few days.

Defoe, Simon Francis, Charlie Daniels, Harry Arter and Joshua King were all ruled out of yesterday’s 4-0 defeat at Manchester City due to injury.

And Junior Stanislas was added to the worsening casualty list after damaging his hamstring during the early stages at the Etihad.

Stanislas was replaced by Marc Pugh after just 12 minutes and looks certain to be unavailable for the festive fixtures against West Ham, Everton and Brighton.

Cherries are also sweating on the fitness of Andrew Surman who played on despite hurting his shoulder during the first half against City.

Long-term injury victims Brad Smith, Tyrone Mings and Rhoys Wiggins remain sidelined, while goalkeeper Adam Federici has returned to training after recovering from a knee problem.