Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe doesn't want to curb the natural aggression of Jefferson Lerma.

The 24-year-old was an unused substitute during Cherries' 4-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday but could feature against Watford at Vitality Stadium on Wednesday (7.45pm).

Asked about Lerma's combative style, Howe told the Daily Echo: “It's why in some respects we bought Jeff, not for the bookings but for the physical side of the game.

“For his ability to stop counter-attacks and to bring a steel to our midfield – there is a side effect to that.

“Of course, he has picked up bookings, he has been unlucky with a few and some have probably been deserved.

“We of course don't want him suspended and to miss any game but it looks like that is on the horizon. We just hope he can delay it for as long as he can.

“It is what it is, we can't do anything about it.

“We can talk to Jeff and make sure he controls the number of bookings he gets but a lot of them have been for moments and tackles where he is very much in the game and trying to stop certain situations from occurring.

“You cannot stop the natural instinct that he's got."