Speaking after our 1-0 victory over Chelsea, Eddie Howe offered an update on Callum Wilson, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, also promising that ‘there’s more to come’ from this team after an incredible first half of the season.
Wilson had been struggling with an illness since last weekend and had trained alone in the run up to this game, but the boss reassured everyone that ‘he’s fully fit now, with no problems’ after the number nine was subbed on 75 minutes in.
Contrastingly, Botman – who was substituted with five minutes left after receiving treatment – appeared to have injured his ankle and the 44-year-old head coach hopes ‘it’s not serious’.
Despite the injury concerns, Howe was full of praise for team’s togetherness and ‘high-class’ fitness levels that allowed us to outwork a poor Chelsea side who were clearly frustrated by us all game.
The former Bournemouth man also promised that ‘there are exciting times ahead’ as we strive to work even harder once the league resumes after the World Cup and hopefully keep this unbelievable run of form going.
After being told this was the first time he had gone 10 Premier League games unbeaten, the boss jokingly claimed he ‘didn’t realise my record was that bad’ proving just how grounded he still is.
Speaking on both Wilson and Botman, Howe said: “Callum is fine. It was just a case that, with the training he’s had, I didn’t feel he was ready to start the game.
“He’s had an illness that really knocked him, so we didn’t want to take the risk with his immune system being low. We knew he would be okay for a part of the game because he’s fully fit now, with no problems.
“Fab (Schar), we’re not sure on. Sven, it seemed as though he injured his ankle so we hope it’s not serious.”
On the performance, Howe said: “It was a very good performance today, a very good game between two very good teams. We pressed really well, our fitness levels are high-class. We executed everything, I’m very proud of the players tonight.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position to hopefully kick on. The break has probably come at a bad time for us. We’d like the games to continue.
“There’s more to come from individuals within the team. There are exciting times ahead, but nothing is guaranteed in football. That’s why the work we do in this period is important.
