CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe revealed concerns Simon Francis could be set for a lengthy spell out and admitted: “We are stretched to the limit.”

Francis sustained a serious-looking knee injury after falling awkwardly during the first half of today’s 5-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham.

The 33-year-old appeared in considerable distress while on the Wembley Stadium turf and was subsequently stretchered off.

Cherries are already without Adam Smith and Lewis Cook due to long-term knee injuries.

Discussing Francis’s plight, Howe said: “He has gone for a scan on his knee – it doesn’t look good. We are very concerned it’s a serious injury.

“It’s hugely disappointing for a player who has been magnificent for the football club.

“No thoughts tonight are with anything other than him and his family. We hope it’s not as bad as it looks but we fear that’s the case.

“I haven’t spoken to him or seen him (since the injury) but I’m sure he will be desperately disappointed not to be able to perform with the team.

“It’s a time where we are going to be stretched and tested. It’s very unusual you get the amount of serious injuries which we have suffered.

“We are stretched to the limit. We were stretched already before this injury so this is going to add a different dimension.

“But let’s get the result of the scan and then see what we do.”

Cherries suffered three serious knee injuries to Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel in the 2015-16 campaign, the club’s first season in the top flight.