Jonjo Shelvey looks to have picked up a hamstring injury in Tuesday’s pre-season defeat at Benfica – but Eddie Howe is hoping it’s not serious as he waits for more news.
We conceded a few sloppy goals, had Joelinton sent off and lost to a goal against the run of play in the 89th minute, yet the most disappointing thing about last night was watching a revitalised Shelvey limp off.
He looks leaner than ever and pulled the strings in the second half – creating chances for Wood and Murphy – however he was quickly replaced by Matty Longstaff with 20 minutes remaining after falling awkwardly.
Elsewhere, Howe has confirmed that Martin Dubravka missed out with a “sprained wrist” – which doesn’t look “too serious” – while Ryan Fraser was unavailable for “family reasons.”
Javier Manquillo is due back in England later this week after seeing a specialist in Spain, with Jamal Lewis and Federico Fernandez also failing to feature in Portugal as both “work their way back to fitness” after recent knocks.
Here’s what Howe had to say on all of the above when speaking from the Estádio da Luz…
Howe on Jonjo Shelvey:
“It looks like a hamstring problem.
“I don’t know whether it’s a strain or whether it’s cramp or what it is at this moment. We hope it’s not serious.
“He’s worked really hard to get himself in a really good physical condition.
“Any injury would be a blow to him and for us.”
Howe on Dubravka:
“Martin’s got a sprained wrist from fielding a ball at close range.
“We don’t think it’s too serious.”
Howe on Fernandez, Lewis, Fraser and Manquillo:
“The others, I think you know about. Fede Fernandez and Jamal Lewis, they’re working their way back to fitness.
“Fraser was missing with a family issue.”
“We still haven’t seen Manquillo. We’re due to see him when we return to England.”
