Eddie Howe has issued a fresh injury update ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Southampton.
He’s revealed that Allan Saint-Maximin is “not 100% fit” after only managing one day of training prior to his late cameo against Brighton last weekend, suggesting he may start Thursday’s game at St Mary’s on the bench.
Federico Fernandez has also picked up a side strain that’s set to keep him out of our upcoming games against Southampton, Chelsea and Everton over the next week, seeing him join Kieran Trippier (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf) on the sidelines.
The “really good” news is that Matt Ritchie is back in training for the first time.
It remains to be seen if he’ll be in tomorrow’s squad, however Howe seems pleased to have him back after a sudden knee injury has meant he’s yet to kick a ball in 2022 – seeing him miss out entire unbeaten run.
The NUFC boss also hinted at rotation, saying “yes, possibly” when asked if he could shuffle his pack ahead of three away games in seven days for his squad.
Here’s what Howe’s had to say when speaking to the press this morning:
“We’ve got no injuries of major concern.
“We had a few niggles after the Brighton game but we’ve had Matt Ritchie return to training so that’s a really good thing.
“Fede [Fernandez] has a very slight side strain.
“Allan is not 100% fit.
“He did one day of training, his first in three weeks, before the previous game.
“We are very keen to have him back and back at his best.
“When he came on against Brighton he did well and a key moment gave us a lift.
“We are trying to build up his fitness and he’s nearly there.”
Howe when asked if we could see some rotation tomorrow night:
“Yes possibly”.
“It’s difficult to give you clarity, for obvious reasons, but we’ll make the right decision for the team.”
Surely Richie won’t be anywhere near any starting 11?!
Mark(Quote)