Manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Jermain Defoe will start from the off in AFC Bournemouth’s Carabao Cup tie against Birmingham City on Tuesday.
Howe also revealed that skipper Simon Francis won't return until after the international break due to injury.
"We've come through okay from the weekend," he said in his pre-match press conference.
"The only update is that Simon Francis will miss out. He's progressing well and we're happy with how he's looking.
"We won't see him before the international break and I will be rotating the team against Birmingham City.
"I've done so for the last four or five seasons so it's an opportunity for players to show what they can do, which is healthy.
"I want to see other players in our squad and give young players game time. Jermain Defoe will start the game."
