Eddie Howe has revealed that Allan Saint-Maximin missed the 1-1 draw at West Ham due to a calf injury he picked up in last weekend’s win over Aston Villa.
He reveals that it was hoped the Frenchman would be OK to play, even though he hadn’t trained all week, however it’s thought the knock is “nothing too serious” – meaning he could be fit for next weekend’s trip to Brentford.
The NUFC boss is also hoping that it was “fatigue or cramp” that forced Ryan Fraser to limp off at the London Stadium, despite the fact his hamstring was a “bit sore” after another huge shift from the Scot.
As for the game itself, Howe was pleased with the performance, praising our “excellent” start, but feels we could and should have scored more than one – leaving him a little frustrated that we only came away with a point in the end.
Here’s what he’s had to say on all of the above:
Howe on Saint-Maxinin’s absence:
“He got a kick on his calf against Villa – I think you saw him limping towards the end of the game,”
“He didn’t train this week. We hoped he’d been fit, but, obviously, he didn’t make the game.
“Hopefully nothing too serious, but it was enough to keep him out today.”
Howe on Ryan Fraser limping off:
“I don’t know [if he’s injured] at this moment in time.
“He said as he was coming off his hamstring was a bit sore but we’ll see.
“There could be a little bit of fatigue or cramp in there.”
Howe on 1-1 draw vs West Ham:
“I’m satisfied with the point, but frustrated it maybe wasn’t more,”
“The way we started the game was excellent. The only disappointment for me was that we only got one goal – there was more in it for us.
“Although we dominated they still had a threat in the game. That’s what West Ham can do to you. We’re disappointed that the free-kick was poorly defended from our perspective.
“That’s a frustration, but the character and response was there. With the balls we put into the box, it should have been more.”
