BOSS Eddie Howe expects to be without the services of influential Cherries skipper Simon Francis before the international break.

Francis is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and is almost certain to be unavailable for the visit of Manchester City to Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

The 32-year-old defender felt his hamstring during the second half of Cherries’ opening day defeat at West Brom and was substituted 10 minutes from time.

A scan revealed he had suffered only minor damage, although Francis was ruled out of Cherries’ Premier League clash with Watford four days ago.

The Premier League clash with Pep Guardiola’s men is likely to come too soon for Francis who will be hoping to regain his fitness in time for Cherries’ trip to Arsenal on September 9.

Cherries manager Howe said: “Simon is progressing really well and we are happy with how he is looking.

“But with the type of injury he has, we probably won’t see him before the international break.”

Howe felt Francis had been missed against Watford and added: “He has been an outstanding player for us for a long time.

“He was out for a spell last season and I thought we really missed him. We miss his leadership skills so we are keen to get him back as quickly as possible.”