Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe may delay the preseason kickoff for his international players.

No fewer than seven members of Howe's squad have been on duty with their respective countries since the end of last season.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “We were delighted to see Matt Ritchie score his first international goal for Scotland and proud for Harry Arter to make his debut for the Republic of Ireland.

“On the flip side, Harry withdrawing from the Republic squad due to injury was naturally a worry but we are hoping it is nothing serious.

“Baily representing England and Shaun being involved with Wales was also a feather in the cap for them and Artur, Joshua and Christian have also played a big part for their respective countries.

“Being a footballer is a 365-day-a-year job and they don't get much of a break. Guys who play World Cups and European Championships are even more adapted to that.

“I will speak to the players to see how they feel. Most of them had a good rest last summer and they all had a short break at the end of last season.

“We need to make sure they are fresh but we don't want them to miss any football and I'm sure they will be the same. It will be very much a case of assessing them individually and seeing how they feel."