Eddie Howe has confirmed that he will be without defensive duo Federico Fernandez and Jamal Lewis throughout the festive period.
The pair have suffered untimely injuries with the former Argentina international missing with a thigh problem and ex-Norwich star Lewis sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Fernandez could even be missing until late January but there was better news on Lewis.
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On the ex-Napoli man, Howe said: "It's a difficult one to put a timescale on but it's weeks rather than months.
"We'll wait and see how he responds.
"He's definitely going to be out of the Christmas period and most of January but he's working hard and improving every day."
Lewis went down at Liverpool clutching the back of his leg in the 3-1 defeat.
Howe reflected: "I don't think it will be too long.
"It's not a major injury but it's enough to keep him out of the festive period and some games in early January.
"Hamstring strains are usually three to four weeks minimum and I think that's probably where he'll be."
Howe was unable to put a timescale on the return of Paul Dummett although the defender is at least back training with the senior squad.
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