EDDIE Howe admits Cherries could be without "key player" Simon Francis for next weekend's trip to Manchester United – with the skipper already ruled out of tomorrow's clash with West Brom.

Experienced defender Francis was forced off with a hamstring problem during the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City 11 days ago, having succumbed to a similar problem in the previous fixture against Everton.

Howe confirmed Francis would miss the game against the Baggies (3pm) and "probably" the journey to Old Trafford, meaning the 32-year-old's comeback may have to wait until the home fixture against West Ham on Saturday, March 11.

Reflecting on his decisions to substitute Francis, Howe told the Daily Echo: "This one wasn't precautionary, the previous one at Everton was.

"Against Everton, he felt something and wasn't sure what it was, so we felt we should take him off as a precaution to make sure he didn't make the injury worse.

"The one against Manchester City was on a pass, he felt a pain and it's a pull, so we will wait and see. We don't think it's serious, he's a quick healer and is already making really good strides towards his return.

"It definitely won't be for this game and probably won't be for the next game but we will try to highlight the one after."

Francis has completed 90 minutes just once since the turn of the year following his sending off against Arsenal last month – which earned him a three-game suspension – and his subsequent injury problems.

Howe added: "It's strange how it's gone for him for someone who has been so consistent with his availability.

"He's done so well. Suddenly the suspension and a couple of injuries happen. We've really missed him. It goes without saying what a key player he is for us."

The Cherries manager will make a late decision on midfielder Jack Wilshere, who like Francis was forced off against City, this time with an ankle complaint.

One man certain to take his place on the field at The Hawthorns is whistler Mark Clattenburg.

The 41-year-old, who presided over the final of Euro 2016, had earlier this week been expected to immediately become the new head of referees in Saudi Arabia.

But it has since been confirmed that Clattenburg will continue in his current role until the end of the campaign.

Howe added: "I think he's an outstanding referee. I've seen a lot of his career.

"He has grown into one of the best referees in the world and has proved that by some of the high-profile games he has been trusted with, and he has done a very good job in those.

"He's a confident referee who backs his decisions and as long as you do that as a referee, I don't think you will go far wrong.

"I was disappointed to hear he is, potentially, leaving the Premier League because I think we need the best people here."