JASON Tindall revealed full-back Diego Rico missed Cherries’ 3-2 victory over Blackburn with a thigh injury.

The boss also admitted the defender is set to miss Tuesday’s Carabao Cup contest with Crystal Palace due to the problem.

Spanish star Rico was unable to feature having sustained the injury in last weekend’s 5-3 friendly win at West Ham.

Asked for an update on the 27-year-old, Tindall said: “Unfortunately Diego picked up a little thigh injury towards the end of the West Ham game.

“He trained, he came out on the training ground at the beginning of the week and he just wasn’t right.

“He’s been in the physio room for the best part of the last week and I’m disappointed because Diego’s been such a great performer for us.

“He’s been such a good performer for me since I have been manager in training in pre-season games.

“To not have Diego available when we are short defensively – with Steve Cook and Chris Mepham carrying their injuries - was a bit of a blow.

“I spoke to him this morning. He believes he should be back out training middle to end of next week, so hopefully that’s the case and we’ve got him back available for us for next weekend.”

Cherries face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before a trip to Middlebrough on Saturday.