EDDIE Howe admitted it had been a “disappointment” to lose Philip Billing to a dead leg, during tonight’s 1-0 defeat at Wolves.

The midfielder, making his return to the side after an ankle problem, lasted 50 minutes before he was replaced by Dan Gosling at Molineux.

Billing, who had been impressive during the opening 45 minutes, gingerly exited the field with his left leg heavily strapped.

Giving an update on the Danish star, Howe said: “He picked up a dead leg.

“We thought he would be okay to continue in the second half as it was a knock rather than a pull or a twist.

“But, unfortunately, he was struggling very early. That was a disappointment because in the game I think he had made a difference.

“His presence in the midfield helped us.”

The Cherries boss was also asked for an update on the fitness of Joshua King, after he was judged not fit enough to feature with an ankle problem.

Quizzed on whether the striker could be fit for next Wednesday’s home clash with Newcastle, Howe replied: “We’ll wait and see. Difficult to answer now.

“He’s had a scan. It doesn’t look serious damage but I can only say he’d be fit if he trains and recovers in time.”