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King ruled out for Man United

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe confirms that Joshua King will once again be absent for the Cherries this weekend.

King has missed the side's last two games against Fulham and Norwich City due to an ankle injury, and the boss feels he isn't fit enough to make a return against his former club.

The Norweigan has been involved in five goals for the Cherries this campaign, while skipper Simon Francis is a doubt for the game alongside King after tweaking his groin against the Canaries in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

The manager said: "I think we're OK on the whole and in good shape.

"Joshua King will definitely be out again for this game, he's not going to be ready.

"It's not a long-term injury but Joshua is disappointed to miss out and is fully focused on his recovery.

"As for Simon Francis, we'll have to make a late call on him.

"He's had a scan on the injury and it's not a pull, so we're quietly confident he'll make the game but we can't say definitely until we've seen him train as he hasn't trained since Tuesday."