EDDIE Howe revealed how a “slight discomfort feeling” kept Lloyd Kelly out of action during Cherries’ 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.

The defender, who has been plagued by injury since his £13million switch from Bristol City, was not included in the hosts’ squad at Vitality Stadium.

He is yet to feature in the Premier League for the Dorset club, having played in the Premier League Cup, Hampshire Senior Cup and Carabao Cup.

Asked for an update on England under-21 international Kelly, who has previously been ruled out with thigh and ankle problems, Howe told the Daily Echo: “He’s had a slight discomfort feeling in his injury.

“It’s a slight setback. How serious it is I don’t know, but obviously he wasn’t available.”

Cherries were also forced to make a late change on the bench ahead of kick-off against the Gunners.

Gavin Kilkenny replaced Philip Billing among the substitutes, after the Danish star picked up an injury during the warm-up.

“I don’t know too much about it,” added Howe.

“He was taking a shot in the warm-up and felt a pain in his back so I don’t know what that is.”

Billing is set to be assessed ahead of Saturday’s home league fixture against Aston Villa (3pm).