Some early team news has arrived from Eddie Howe and Thomas Frank ahead of tomorrow’s relegation six-pointer at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Allan Saint-Maximin’s calf injury is ‘not serious’ and Javier Manquillo has come through training this week, however it seems both will face late fitness tests for this one.
That said, with Saint-Maximin having additional treatment in France just yesterday and Manquillo described as ‘close’ but not yet ‘100% fit’, it would be a surprise if either started.
The good news is that Ryan Fraser has been passed fit to start, despite limping off at the London Stadium last weekend, however Callum Wilson (calf), Kieran Trippier (foot) and Matt Ritchie (knee) remain out.
As for the Bees, Thomas Frank has confirmed that Christian Erisken will make his debut – most likely from the bench – while former Mag and influential striker Ivan Toney is set to return after missing their last three league games with a calf injury.
Here’s what both managers have had to say, starting with Eddie Howe:
“We’re going to make a very late call on Saint-Maximin. It’s not serious, as we said initially.
“He’s been away [in France] for some intensive treatment. We hope he’s back in the team and making an impact very soon. When that’ll be is slightly unclear. But he’s in a good place mentally and is very eager to return.
“Manquillo came through a couple of training sessions this week.
“I wouldn’t say he’s 100 per cent fit but he’s certainly getting closer to being fit and available.
“Ryan [Fraser] will be OK.
“He came off the pitch [at West Ham] but it looks like he will be fine.”
Thomas Frank’s injury update:
“For maybe the first time this season we have all players available, which is positive.
“That also means Ivan Toney will be involved in the squad tomorrow.
“Christian Eriksen will get on the pitch to make his debut tomorrow”
