EDDIE Howe said Jermain Defoe’s absence would have no bearing on his transfer window activity – but has not ruled out the possibility of bringing in new recruits.

Defoe was added to Cherries’ injury list when it was revealed he had fractured his right ankle during the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Chelsea eight days ago.

The England striker, who has netted three times in the Premier League for Cherries this season, is expected to spend between eight to 10 weeks on the sidelines.

Defoe joined a mounting casualty list which also includes Charlie Daniels, Junior Stanislas, Andrew Surman and Harry Arter, together with long-term trio Brad Smith, Tyrone Mings and Rhoys Wiggins.

And with his resources stretched, Howe could be tempted to either dip into the market once the window opens on New Year’s Day or recall any of his players currently on loan.

He told the Daily Echo: “We were bitterly disappointed to lose Jermain. He has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes since he has been here.

“He suffered a couple of niggly injuries at the start of the season and we felt he was coming into his best form.

“He is going to be out for a period of time, probably around 10 weeks. We just hope that when he is back there are no complications with the injury and he can pick up where he left off.”

Asked by the Daily Echo whether the injury would force his hand in the market, Howe replied: “We will wait and see.

“The January window, as we always say, is a tough one to recruit in.

“I feel we have adequate cover in that position with the four strikers we have. I think they are all top quality so I would have no hesitation in playing any one of them.

“I don’t think it forces my hand at all, it will be whether we decide to or not.”

Regarding Stanislas, Surman and Arter, Howe added: “Our injury list is mounting. Junior has a hamstring strain and we think he will probably be around 10 days to two weeks.

“Andrew Surman took a knock to his shoulder, which was a really sore one, and is struggling with that so I’m not sure how long he will be out.

“Harry has a calf problem. We don’t think it is going to be long term and, hopefully, he should be back pretty soon.”