TOMMY Elphick admitted Cherries would have to make “a few late calls” on their squad, due to the virus that has “struck the squad down”.

The first-team coach was speaking ahead of the Dorset club’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

Chris Mepham was a late withdrawal from the squad from Tuesday’s defeat at Chelsea due to illness, with a number of other players having previously been struggling.

Quizzed on the latest team news, Elphick said: “It's hard to judge it really at the moment. There's so much changing with this virus.

“It really has struck the squad down.

“We were as we were for the Chelsea game, so obviously a tight turnaround.

“We managed to get the boys back out on the grass yesterday (Thursday) and did a bit this morning (Friday) as well. So, there will be a few late calls and hopefully a few coming back as well.”

The likes of Junior Stanislas, Marcus Tavernier, Neto and David Brooks are all expected to remain out through injury.

Visitors Palace will be without Tyrick Mitchell and James Tomkins through suspension.