FORMER Cherries midfielder Dan Gosling could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles injury whilst playing for Watford on Saturday.

Gosling, who helped Cherries clinch promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history, developed a strong bond with the club’s supporters during his seven-year spell with the club.

Signed on a free transfer from Everton in the summer of 2014, Gosling departed in January 2021 to seek further game-time, joining Watford. He played 192 games for Cherries, scoring 22 goals, including a memorable match-winning strike at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in December 2019.

The Brixham-born talent helped the Hornets secure promotion to the top flight, but then found himself frozen out of the squad for months on end.

After Watford’s relegation, and particularly when Slaven Bilic was appointed as boss in September, Gosling was restored to the starting XI and became a key player, until disaster struck during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Bristol City.

Providing an update on the 32-year-old, Bilic said: “I don’t have the right words.

“He’s a brilliant guy and a brilliant player, and it’s great to have him in training and in the squad.

“We need a right back I said, ‘no problem boss’ he said. He stepped in, and doesn’t just cover the position but makes a difference in that position for five games.

“Then we put him back in midfield, no problem for him, then back in defence, no problem.

“He is a top guy, a top professional.”

He added: “I hope it’s not but it looked like a big rupture of the Achilles.

“We will be behind him, we’ll wait for him and hopefully he’ll come back as soon as possible.

“He said he heard a sound like someone had kicked him, but he was alone. According to our physios, that’s exactly what happens when you rupture it.

“It’s a massive blow.”

Taking to Instagram, Watford defender William Troost-Ekong added: “Some moments in football aren’t fair and yesterday was overshadowed with one of those.

“It really takes you back when I’ve seen Dan Gosling work harder than anyone day in day out for months without the credit/reward he deserved before getting back playing weekly again, making the difference! That is what a ‘key’ player and character in a team REALLY is.

“We’re all behind you and if there is anyone who I’m sure will be back stronger from this it is you mate.”