BOSS Eddie Howe said Cherries had to “tread very carefully” with the calf injury picked up by frontman Jermain Defoe.

The England international, who has also been troubled by a hamstring problem this season, is not expected to feature when Cherries tomorrow visit Swansea (3pm).

Howe insisted the striker’s latest injury issue was “miniscule” but had to be dealt with cautiously.

Commenting on Defoe, the manager said: “He has had various niggles this season, which has been a real shame for him because he wants to train regularly and you need to do that to be at your very best physically.

“He has had a couple of niggles, one with his hamstring and one with his calf.

“He hasn’t had a tear of a muscle, they have just been slight problems and this is a really miniscule problem with his calf.

“But it is one we have to tread very carefully with, otherwise it could end up being a bigger problem.

“I think he will be back very soon and hopefully back to his best.”

Junior Stanislas is set to miss out once again having sustained a groin injury against Chelsea last month.

Cherries will also make a late call on the fitness of winger Jordon Ibe.