SUMMER recruit Christian Atsu was not involved in Cherries' League Cup trip to Liverpool due to injury.

The 23-year-old, who is on loan from Chelsea, pulled out of international duty with Ghana earlier this month.

Atsu started the League Cup victories over Hartlepool and Preston but has yet to make a Premier League appearance in a Cherries shirt.

He is due to spend the season on loan in Dorset following his temporary switch from Stamford Bridge.

Atsu won player of the tournament and goal of the tournament in this year's African Cup of Nations, as Ghana reached the final.