Austin injury confirmed

Last updated : 05 March 2011 By Tony Scholes
Austin last played a week ago, coming on as a late substitute for Chris Iwelumo in the 2-1 win at Preston, but suffered a dislocated shoulder in training last Monday.

Manager Eddie Howe said today: "Charlie dislocated his shoulder in training on Monday this week and is due to go under the knife on Wednesday to have an operation to sort the problem out. He will be out for the season but should be back as good as new for the first day of pre-season.

"It's really bad luck for the lad because we've all got high hopes for him here, but he is one for the long term and we have to take the long term view on it and protect him by getting the operation done now and getting him right for next season."

This is the second time he's missed some football this season with this problem having been ruled out for a month at Swindon earlier in the season.

With Austin joining both Martin Paterson and Steven Thompson on the long term injured list it is not a priority to try and bring in a loan striker.