Sources: Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly could be out three months in 'huge' blow
Bournemouth captain Lloyd Kelly could be out for three months in a devastating blow, sources have told Football Insider.
The centre-back, 23, sustained a knee injury in training and the club fear he may have suffered medial ligament damage.
Kelly missed Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw against Newcastle United on Saturday (17 September) and he could now be out until after the mid-season World Cup break.
In the wake of the Newcastle match, caretaker manager Gary O'Neil insisted he did not know how serious Kelly's injury was as he awaited further updates from medical staff.
It is now believed the damage is long-term following the latest tests.
The absence of the defender and skipper for three months will be a huge blow to Bournemouth's Premier League survival hopes.
Kelly played 90 minutes in five of the Cherries' six games prior to Saturday's draw at St James' Park - but missed the 9-0 demolition against Liverpool in August with an abductor injury.
He captained Bournemouth for the majority of his 41 Championship appearances last term as he helped the south coast side back to the top flight.
The former Bristol City defender, who is under contract until 2024, is just three games short of a century for Bournemouth after joining the club in 2019.
Argentina international Marcos Senesi, who signed for the Cherries last month, came into the side in Kelly's absence on Saturday and is likely to deputise in his absence.
Bournemouth's first seven Premier League games of this term have garnered eight points.
Gary O'Neill is yet to lose since taking interim charge and the Cherries sit 12th in the table despite racking up a goal difference of minus 13.