EDDIE Howe is counting the cost of an international break that has deprived him of the services of three players – one of whom is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Cherries boss said he would not disclose the identity of the stricken trio until after his side had played Hull today.

Both Max Gradel and Lewis Cook were withdrawn in the second half of international games last week, with midfielder Cook subsequently not featuring in England under-20s’ victory over USA on Monday.

“It’s been a difficult two weeks," said Howe.“We’ve lost a few players through injuries so it’s been a disappointing return.

"But it’s one of the perils when your players go away. You’re not in control of how they return.

“We’re worried about one being long term. The others shouldn’t be too long.

"But still, when players go away in peak physical condition and don’t come back the same way, it’s part and parcel of international football but it’s disappointing from our perspective when we have such a competitive squad.”

Goalkeeping duo Artur Boruc and Adam Federici did not see any action for Poland and Australia, respectively, while defender Brad Smith played for the entirety of both the Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying matches with Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Josh King made a goalscoring 90-minute appearance in Norway’s 4-1 victory over San Marino on Tuesday, having been replaced after 61 minutes of his country's 1-0 defeat in Azerbaijan three days earlier. Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake played the final 41 minutes of Holland under-21s’ 4-1 win in Cyprus this week.

“From my perspective as a club manager, I wouldn’t want anyone to go,” added Howe. “But the reality is, players love playing for their country – and rightly so. They’re all keen to go and progress their careers."