Cherries have been hit by a big injury blow with the news that influential defender Simon Francis is facing six weeks on the sidelines.

Club physio Steve Hard confirmed that Francis had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament sprain in last week’s League One clash with Brentford.

Hard told afcb.co.uk: “We were very concerned about it and we had him scanned the next day. It revealed an anterior cruciate ligament sprain and that he had also damaged the back of his knee as well.

“The surgeon looked at the scans and examined Simon and said there was no need for an operation and that it should settle naturally with rehabilitation.”

Francis has established himself as a key player since joining Cherries from Charlton Athletic last season and has made nine starts this term.