Howe hints at Toon debut at Tranmere, but 5 ruled out and 1 doubt for Carabao Cup clash

Eddie Howe believes Elliot Anderson is in a “good place to give a good performance” ahead of our trip to Tranmere, suggesting he could start in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash at Tranmere.

Should he be selected, it would be the youngster’s full debut for the club, with his only two competitive appearances coming from the bench against Arsenal in January 2021.

That highlights how long he’s had to wait for a proper chance in the senior side, but after a stunning loan spell at Bristol Rovers and impressive pre-season under his belt, it looks like Howe will hand him a well deserved chance to impress from the off at Tranmere.

Elsewhere, Callum Wilson (hamstring) and Ryan Fraser (groin) have been ruled out after heading for scans earlier this week, while Dan Burn (concussion) will also be missing alongside Jonjo Shelvey (hamstring) and Kell Watts (knee).

Matt Targett also remains a doubt after missing Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Man City, although he could yet return to the side if he passes a late fitness test this time around.

Here’s what Howe’s had to say on all of the above, hinting at changes after Sunday’s big effort at SJP:

“We’ve got a few bumps and bruises.

“Dan Burn came off after getting hit in the head so he’ll miss the game.

“Physically we gave so much against Man City so naturally there are a few tired bodies.”

“Elliot (Anderson) is champing at the bit to be involved.

“He’s trained very well at the start of this season.

“He’s not appeared yet in the Premier League but his training performances haven’t dipped.

“He’s in a good place to give a good performance.”

“Matt is doing well. He was close against Man City but we didn’t want to take that risk when he hadn’t had a big training day in 14 days.

“We felt it was probably too big a risk to start him but he’s very close to being fit.”

Asked for more on Anderson, Howe then hinted at a start for the U21 talent, also reiterating his desire to keep the midfielder on Tyneside – not loan him out – as things stand:

“Yeah, he’s definitely a contender to start tomorrow.

“As I’ve said, everything that I’ve seen from him day to day has been very impressive.

“In terms of the future, I don’t see a way that he would leave at this moment. The transfer windows are ever-changing things, so I wouldn’t give you a definite, because I wouldn’t want to say something that isn’t accurate, but I’m really excited to see him play.

“I think he’s a player that’s really grown, as I’ve said, from his loan period away, and I’d say his game’s in a very good place.”