EDDIE Howe revealed Simon Francis missed this afternoon's clash with Arsenal due to a bruised knee.

The Cherries skipper had played 90 minutes in each of the past three Premier League matches, but picked up a knock during Saturday's home loss to Burnley.

Steve Cook returned himself from injury to take the spot of Francis in the centre of defence and helped Cherries to a 1-1 draw against the Gunners at Vitality Stadium.

But Howe is unsure how long the problem will rule out the 34-year-old defender, with games against Brighton (Saturday) and West Ham United (Wednesday) in the coming days.

"He (Francis) got a kick against Burnley in a tackle with about 20 minutes to go," Howe told the Daily Echo.

"He was very sore. We took him for a scan to make sure it was nothing more serious than bruising.

"Thankfully that’s all it is but whether he’s okay for Brighton, I don’t know.

"He’s very sore at the moment."