BOSS Eddie Howe revealed Steve Cook could be set for a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his wrist.

The centre-half sustained the problem having blocked a cross against Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Howe insisted it had been “too painful” for the Hastings-born star to feature against Crystal Palace tonight (7.30pm).

He said: “Steve Cook’s injury was a bizarre one.

“He got hit on the wrist by a cross against Spurs and it turned into a fracture.

“We don’t know how long he will be out but it’s too painful to play tonight."