Bournemouth are set to again be without skipper Tommy Elphick this weekend.

The 28-year-old defender missed last weekend's 2-0 win over Sunderland with an ankle injury and will take no part in Saturday's clash at Stoke City.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe has revealed that Elphick will travel to Sweden to seek specialist advice on the problem while giving an update on midfielder Harry Arter, who is yet to feature this season because of an ongoing groin issue.

"Tommy has flown to Sweden to get an update on his injury and Harry is still continuing his rehab," said Howe of his captain who had a career-threatening achilles injury back inches Brighton & Hove Albion days.

"Tommy wanted him (the specialist) to have a look at his injury. He has total faith in his opinion and we felt it was wise he had that reassurance with this current injury.

"Tommy has gone there to get an update and to see if, hopefully, it is nothing serious. If everything is okay, it will be a case of building it up quite quickly and getting him back playing."

On After, he added: "He had a little niggle this week.

"It is not connected with the injury he suffered and is in another area of his body so it is a case of letting that settle and then building him up.

"It is only natural when you have been out the length of time he has that he will pick up little things which will delay his comeback by a few days."