Harry Arter is a doubt for AFC Bournemouth’s visit to Vicarage Road after being ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s friendly clashes.

The midfield man had been set to join up with his country for games against Turkey and France, but has been ruled out after missing the Cherries’ win over relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe admitted in the wake of the vital win over the Premier League’s basement club that Arter, who has made 16 appearances for the south coast club this season, faces a dash to be fit for clash with the Hornets.

“Harry Arter won’t go [on international duty]. He’s got a calf strain, hence why he missed out,” Howe explained.

“We don’t think it’s anything too serious but I think it will be enough to keep him out of the international games and maybe our next game against Watford.”

Watford’s defeat to Liverpool and a 2-0 win for Crystal Palace over Huddersfield means the clash with the Cherries carries greater significance for Watford.

The Hornets are will go into the game eight points above the bottom three and level with 10th placed Bournemouth on 36 points.