Ward blow for Cherries

Bournemouth have been dealt a huge blow after defender Joel Ward was ruled out of action for up to eight weeks due to an ankle injury.

The on-loan Portsmouth full-back was carried off on a stretcher in the early stages of last weekend's 1-0 home victory against Shrewsbury.

And a scan on Monday confirmed fears he has suffered ankle ligament damage, ruling him out until mid-April.

A club statement said: "It has been revealed that Joel Ward sustained ankle ligament damage after an awkward landing in the match against Shrewsbury.

"The right-back was carried off early on and had a scan on Monday to reveal the extent of the damage. He is expected to be out for around eight weeks."

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