CHERRIES skipper Simon Francis looks set for a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

Francis was ruled out of today’s Premier League clash with Watford at Vitality Stadium.

The 32-year-old felt his hamstring during the second half of Cherries’ 1-0 defeat at West Brom seven days ago and was substituted 10 minutes from time.

He had a scan to ascertain the full extent of the damage earlier this week and said he was hoping to return to action “as soon as possible”.

In his captain’s programme notes for the Watford match, Francis wrote: “I was gutted to pick up an injury during the game.

“When you put so much work into pre-season then getting injured in the opening game, it’s frustrating more than anything but it gives me more motivation to get back as soon as possible to help the boys.”

Francis was replaced in the Cherries starting line-up by Adam Smith, one of two changes. Jordon Ibe was preferred to Marc Pugh.