Scott Parker says Bournemouth must embrace the challenge of the Premier League after confirming summer signings Ryan Fredericks and Joe Rothwell will miss Saturday's opener against Aston Villa.
The Cherries are back in the top-flight following a two-year absence having won promotion last term as Championship runners-up.
Head coach Parker last week warned the south-coast club are 'way short of where we need to be' following a quiet summer in the transfer market and a host of departures.
Yet the former England midfielder, who is working hard on recruitment but does not expect any arrivals in time for the weekend, adopted a more upbeat tone ahead of Villa's visit to Vitality Stadium.