Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez has cover for injured Mikel Merino

The Spain under-21 international, who has made an impressive start to his career on Tyneside, will miss tomorrow's fixture against Cherries.

He sat out Monday's defeat at Burnley due to a back problem.

Benitez said: "Without Merino, we can play Mo Diame, Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden and Henri Saivet. Even Chancel Mbemba played as a midfielder at the African Cup of Nations.

"It's not a situation that for games, you will not have players. I think we have enough bodies.

"Merino is out for at least a couple of weeks. We'll see how he's doing. He won't go with the national team. He'll have treatment and we will see.

"We know he's not available so we have to concentrate on the other players."

Hayden has recovered from a minor calf problem, while full-back Paul Dummett is not available for selection despite returning to training following a hamstring injury.

Cherries have a mixed record against Newcastle, having met the north east side eight times in competitive matches.

Both teams have three wins under their belts, with the remaining two fixtures ending in draws.