INTERIM head coach Gary O'Neil provided an encouraging update on injured duo Lloyd Kelly and Ryan Fredericks, stating: "We're hoping they'll both be back fairly quickly."
Captain Kelly and summer signing Fredericks were absent from Cherries' squad for this afternoon's trip to Newcastle United.
Marcos Senesi came in to replace Kelly at centre-back, while Jordan Zemura impressed playing the full 90 minutes, having been replaced by Fredericks at half-time against Nottingham Forest last time out.
Asked for an update on Kelly and Fredericks, O'Neil told the Daily Echo: "Both suffered injuries in the week, which was a big blow for us.
"We’re not sure how serious, we’re hoping they’ll both be back fairly quickly.
"But to have to come to a place like this and to lose probably your two quickest players, they give real athleticism to the group.
"Lloydy is obviously our captain, so it made the task a bit tougher for us. But fair play to the boys that came in. I thought they were excellent.
"I don’t want to single anyone out because the group have been incredible since I’ve started doing it with them. Just really pleased, but hopefully they’ll be back soon."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here