SCOTT Parker revealed summer signing Ryan Fredericks would be out for a “couple of weeks” after picking up a calf problem during the club’s Portugal pre-season training camp.

The 29-year-old was brought in on a free transfer from West Ham last month, agreeing a two-year deal with the Dorset outfit.

But Fredericks could be set to miss the start of the season, having not featured in pre-season contests against Braga and Bristol City.

Giving an update on Fredericks, Parker said: “He picked up a knock in Portugal, a calf issue. It’s not as bad as we maybe first thought, will probably be a couple of weeks.

“Big loss really because the early signs. You could see he gave us something which we need in the team in terms of his profile and what he can bring.

“Disappointing we’ve lost him but hopefully not too long and hopefully we will see him back.”

Cherries’ first game of the Premier League season comes in two weeks, when they entertain Aston Villa at Vitality Stadium on August 6 (3pm).