Bournemouth's Eddie Howe hopeful over Brett Pitman

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Brett Pitman suffered a hamstring injury in the club's 6-0 defeat to Real Madrid on Sunday.

However, Howe is hopeful that the former Bristol City striker will be fit to return for the start of the Championship season next month.

"He just felt his hamstring tighten up. We are hoping it's not a pull, he is so important to us," Howe told the club's official website.

"We don't want to lose him so we are hopeful that is not too serious."

The 25-year-old scored 19 league goals last season.