Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has stated that his side have enough quality in defence, despite suffering a number of injuries.

Tommy Elphick missed the win over Sunderland on Saturday with an ankle injury and was replaced by summer signing Sylvain Distin, while youngster Baily Cargill partnered Steve Cook in the centre of defence for the League Cup victory at Preston North End this week.

Howe has admitted that while he might not have many players to choose from in the back four, he is confident in their ability.

"We don't have an abundance of options in central defence but we do have some. We've still got a lot of quality and Sylvain showed that on Saturday and Baily showed it again at Preston," the 37-year-old told the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

"When we put our squad together at the start of the season, we made a conscious decision that we wanted to keep Baily and to give him the opportunity if it arose or if he deserved to play.

"He did very well against Preston and it would have been more really valuable experience for him. He will be used in league games when needed."

Bournemouth return to Premier League action at Stoke City this Saturday.