ANDONI Iraola confirmed Philip Billing missed this afternoon's defeat to Atalanta due to injury.

The Dane watched on from the stands as Cherries were beaten 3-1 by the Italian outfit at Vitality Stadium.

Billing had featured in all three previous pre-season friendlies this summer, including Tuesday's win at Southampton.

Asked why Billing did not feature against Atalanta, head coach Iraola told the Daily Echo: "He had some issues, small issues.

"I hope he is able to train in two or three days, but yesterday in training he had some pain he felt and we decided not to risk obviously in pre-season.

"We hope he is ready for this week."

In Billing's absence, Ryan Christie partnered Lewis Cook in central midfield.

Cherries round-off their pre-season schedule against FC Lorient next weekend.