CALLUM Wilson said Cherries would rally round defender Adam Smith after he sustained what appeared a serious knee injury against Newcastle.

The Cherries full-back went to ground writhing in pain and clutching his right leg after attempting to take a quick free-kick in the 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park.

Striker Wilson, a victim of significant injuries in both knees while with Cherries, gave a message of support to Smith while he was being stretchered off on Tyneside.

Asked what he said to the 27-year-old, hotshot Wilson told the Daily Echo: “I said ‘don’t worry’. He was upset and knew what it was straight away.

“It’s not nice and all you can do is let him know you are there for him. He is in a knee brace and on crutches at the moment and, hopefully, he will get better sooner rather than later.

“We need him. He is a great player for us. The team will be there for him and, hopefully, the recovery is as quick as possible.”

Wilson made his first Premier League start following his second serious knee injury during Cherries’ victory at Newcastle last season.

Twelve months on, he has been in such impressive form that he has landed a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for games against the United States and Croatia.

Boss Eddie Howe confirmed Smith’s setback looked “serious” and admitted he would be a “massive loss” to his troops.

The manager said: “We are all thinking of Adam.

“He is a massive loss. He is a huge player for us and has been a really positive driving influence for the team, consistently getting forward. His defending has been of the highest level as well.

“We are certainly going to miss Adam but that is what the squad is there for – to be able to cover for such talented players.”

Cherries were also forced to replace club-record signing Jefferson Lerma at half-time against the Magpies.

The Colombian had shortly before the interval scored his maiden top-flight goal, glancing Ryan Fraser’s delivery into the far corner of the net.

“Jefferson felt something in his hamstring,“ said the Cherries boss.

“At this moment in time we don’t know whether that’s a pull or just tightness. We will get him scanned.”

The Dorset club were also without Junior Stanislas and Joshua King due to groin and ankle concerns, respectively.

“Junior felt his groin during the week,” said Howe.

“It was just tightness and we don’t think it’s a serious problem but it was enough to keep him out of Saturday.

“Joshua is making good progress from his ankle problem. We will wait and see whether he gets back for the next game.”

Cherries host Arsenal at Vitality Stadium on Sunday, November 25.