Cherries: Toe woe for Pearce

Cherries' promotion hopes have suffered a major blow with the news that captain Jason Pearce could be sidelined for a minimum of three weeks. An X-Ray yesterday confirmed that the influential centre-half had fractured the middle toe on his right foot. Initial reports on the injury Pearce sustained in training last Friday showed no break, but further assessment revealed the unwelcome verdict for Cherries. Pearce's absence could hardly have come at a worse time, with Eddie Howe's team chasing promotion from League Two. Manager Howe is already without the likes of Shaun Cooper, Scott Guyett and Mark Molesley, and Pearce's setback leaves Cherries with just one recognised central defender. Howe's options to partner Ryan Garry in defence this afternoon against Morecambe include Marvin Bartley and Warren Cummings, who did the job at Shrewsbury last weekend. Winger Liam Feeney, who injured a hamstring in the same training session last Friday, is also set to miss this afternoon's clash, although he is expected to make a quick return. The Cherries boss did not approach the Football League for permission to sign a loan player because the returns of Danny Hollands and Sammy Igoe mean the club has three available outfield substitutes.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo