Eddie Howe has revealed which players will be available for Saturday’s crucial clash with Burnley – a game we simply have to win after Tuesday’s draw with Norwich.
The good news is that Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie will return from suspension – although it remains to be seen if either will start after Fernandez and Lewis performed well in their absence.
One slight concern is that Howe referred to a few “bumps and bruises” picked up on Tuesday that are “hopefully nothing too serious”. Let’s hope they aren’t enough to keep one or two out of tomorrow’s game.
As for the players definitely out, Ciaran Clark will be missing through suspension – and it may be just as well on current form – while Paul Dummett’s proposed return appears to be further away than initially suggested.
The Chronicle reported last week that he was set to return for the busy festive period following a long battle with an ongoing calf injury, however Howe has revealed today that he’s “not close” as things stand and still has “quite a bit to go through” before he’s back in contention.
Elliot Anderson is also a doubt after he picked up a new injury in the U23s clash with Aston Villa this time last week, although there’s been no official update on him today.
Eddie Howe on Paul Dummett:
Eddie Howe fitness update:
“Injury-wise we’ve got a few bumps and bruises but hopefully nothing too serious.
“Hopefully the squad has come through Tuesday unscathed and we’ve also got the two lads [Lascelles and Ritchie] back from suspension.”
