HUNGARY manager Marco Rossi stated that Cherries defender Milos Kerkez missed the 2-0 win over Kosovo out of caution after picking up a calf issue.

After helping his country defeat Turkey in the first of two friendlies this international break, Kerkez missed out completely as Hungary defeated Kosovo on Tuesday night.

Speaking after the game, Rossi shared that the left-back had an issue with his calf, but insisted that it was only minor and that he would have played if it was a competitive game.

Signed for a reported £15.5million last summer from Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar, earlier this season Kerkez missed five games for Cherries after picking up a knock in December.

Translated from Hungarian and as quoted by magyarnemzet.hu, Rossi shared: “At the end of training (Monday), Milos' calf hurt, Roli (Sallai Roland) also indicated that he had a problem. 

“In each case, there is no question of a serious injury.

“If it had been the first match of the European Championship, then both of them would have played. 

“We also prepare for friendly matches as if they were competitive matches, although of course the two are not at the same level, which is why they did not play now.”

Cherries will hope Kerkez is available when they face Everton this weekend, with the Toffees visiting Vitality Stadium on Saturday (3pm).