The striker has been called up to the Wales Under-21 squad for next Wednesday's European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Bosnia and must join up with the squad on Sunday.

The highly-rated youngster will be available for Saturday's game with Gillingham but is certain to miss the clash against Rovers, leaving the injury-stricken Cherries desperately short of options.

"It's unfortunate for us to say the least," Bond told the Bournemouth Echo. "We're a victim of Sam's success. It's going to be a difficult one, but there isn't too much we can do about it.

"I've had a chat with (Wales Under-21 boss) Brian Flynn but there is nothing they can do. The rules are that you can ask for a postponement if you've got three or more players on international duty.

"If we had a huge squad and lots of strikers to choose from it might not be so bad. But losing one player out of a squad of about 10 fit and available players isn't ideal."