Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has admitted that he is "really disappointed" for injured duo Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel.
Mings, who joined the club from Ipswich Town in the summer, has been ruled out of action for at least nine months after suffering serious ligament damage during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Leicester City.
Meanwhile, fellow summer signing Gradel will be missing for around six months due to a similar knee injury sustained in the same game.
"I feel for players more than anyone," Howe is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I'm really disappointed for them that they're both going to be out for long periods.
"We are certainly going to miss them. They were a key part of what we were doing going forward. We hunted both of them, especially Max, for a long time.
"Both players are positive about the future and we will look after them and back them. It's a big blow but we have to recover and it will be an opportunity for somebody else."
Bournemouth continue their Premier League campaign on September 12 with a trip to Norwich City.
Jack Prescott
