Bournemouth have been dealt another injury setback as captain Tommy Elphick has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks following ankle surgery.
Elphick, 28, joined Bournemouth from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2012, helping to guide the Cherries from League One to the Championship in his first season.
Eddie Howe's side finished 10th the following year, and the south coast club won the Championship last season to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Elphick travelled to Sweden two weeks ago to consult specialists about his ankle problem, and the defender now faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
Howe told a news conference on Wednesday: "Tommy Elphick has had surgery on his ankle and could face 10 weeks out. It may be shorter."
The loss of Elphick is the latest setback for Bournemouth after a number of high-profile injuries this season.
Striker Callum Wilson will be sidelined for at least six months after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at the end of September.
Howe said that the forward "has had his surgery and is in good form -- it went as well as expected and the surgeon was happy."
Club record signing Tyrone Mings -- who was recruited for £8 million from Ipswich over the summer -- is due to miss the remainder of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while fellow new arrival Max Gradel is sidelined for the next six months with the same injury.
Speaking about potential reinforcements in January, Howe added: "We are preparing for the transfer window. We have players in mind, but there can be twists and turns."
