CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe has described as "a big miss" the loss of Adam Smith to injury.

The full-back will be sidelined for up to three months after undergoing surgery to treat a cartilage tear in his right knee.

Smith sustained the injury during Cherries' 2-1 defeat at Newcastle earlier this month.

Howe said it had been a body blow to lose the former Tottenham youngster ahead of a busy festive spell.

"Adam has been excellent over a long period of time," said Howe.

"He has great energy about him and enthusiasm for the game. He is an excellent trainer and very popular in the dressing room.

"It is a big miss for us. His versatility has been key in recent seasons.

"He has played in a number of positions and wherever he has played, he has performed at a high level."

Smith has featured on both sides of Cherries' defence this season. The 27-year-old had to be stretchered off at St James' Park and visited a specialist before his operation.

While Cherries stated Smith would be out for up to three months, Howe warned against setting an exact comeback date.

"With these type of injuries it is always difficult to give a definitive date when a player will be back," he said.

"We will encourage him to come back as quickly as we can but we don't want to put too many timescales on him.

"We have to get his recovery right for his long-term career. We hope to have him back sooner rather than later but there will be a process to go through."