Eddie Howe has confirmed that Jonjo Shelvey will be missing for the next three months after undergoing surgery on his hamstring in London.
The boss admits it’s a “big blow” for the player – who worked so hard over the summer to get in good shape – and also his team, feeling Shelvey is someone who brings “unique qualities” to his side.
However, it seems he will NOT look to sign a replacement over the final three weeks of the transfer market as things stand, saying we currently have enough options to cover his absence.
Howe has talked up Bruno Guimaraes’ ability to play in that deeper role – something he did so well against Nottingham Forest – and also believes Sean Longstaff can operate in this position, praising his performance over pre-season.
That said, he accepts that things can “change very quickly” in football, suggesting another injury or the opportunity to sign the right player may alter his view in the coming weeks?
Here’s what Howe had to say during this morning’s press conference, starting with his first words on the injury itself:
“It was quite a complex one, we had a number of scans. And a number of opinions with Jonjo because we wanted to make the right call.
“It wasn’t a clear or simple injury so he’s had an operation and we expect him to be out around 12 weeks.
“He was very disappointed because he’s worked so hard in pre-season.
“He’s in a good physical shape so it was a real shame for him but he’s on the road to recovery now and in a much better place after the operation than before mentally.”
“I feel we have enough to cover his absence currently. But you know football it can change very quickly.
“I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily our main focus [midfield] but it’s something in the back of our minds – if we need to do something we have the capability to do something in that position, but we have probably other positions that are more of a priority currently.
“Losing Jonjo is a big blow. He has been a huge player for us over the last few seasons and brings unique qualities to that role.
“Now Bruno played in that role on Saturday and did very well. We do have other players, Sean Longstaff has played there in pre-season and has done very well – he’s used the ball excellently.
“So we have a couple of options, but we’re going to miss Jonjo.
