Speaking to the media from the club’s Benton base this morning, Eddie Howe provided some early team news ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
While Jonjo Shelvey (calf), Matt Targett (heel), Emil Krafth (ACL) and Paul Dummett (calf) all look set to miss out, the boss revealed that Alexander Isak is in contention after returning to training this week.
Howe admitted there are a “few bumps and bruises” in the camp but no new injuries, suggesting Joe Willock’s withdrawal at Arsenal was due to cramp. On that subject, however, the 45-year-old is wary of fatigue following a busy run of games, referencing midfield as an area where we currently lack “strength in depth.”
He confirmed Martin Dubravka is “fine to play” following his return from Manchester United, also talking up Jamal Lewis – our only fit left-back aside from Dan Burn. Howe feels the former Norwich City star is finally “in a good place” after overcoming a pelvis problem that held him back in training.
So, both are in with a shout of making rare appearances along with Alexander Isak – who is likely to feature from the bench at best – while the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Elliot Anderson have been tipped to start after Howe praises the former’s “professionalism” and ruled out a January loan move for the latter.
Here’s what the gaffer had to say on all of the above earlier today…
Howe when asked about injuries and potential rotation:
“A few bumps and bruises but no new injuries that stands in my mind. If Alexander Isak gets through training today, we’ll see on him.
“I haven’t picked the team yet as I want to see how the lads are physically today. But we have a good squad. You always want to give people opportunities to stake their claim to play. But you have to get the balance right between making changes and trying to win the game.
“We don’t want to lose our rhythm and the fundamental principles of our performance, so let’s wait and see.”
Howe on Martin Dubravka:
“He looks fine in the very brief bits of training we’ve seen with Martin, because he hasn’t been back long.
“He’s done very well. He’s fine to play.”
Howe on Jamal Lewis:
“Jamal is in a good place. When I first came in, he had injury problems. He had a problem with his pelvis where he went away and it got sorted.
“That was pivotal because he wasn’t feeling himself in training and in games because he didn’t feel he execute physically what he wanted to do. He’s an incredible athlete, and now we’re seeing that in training because he’s feeling a lot more himself.”
Howe on Alexander Isak:
“Let’s get through training today (Friday). I’m not clear (on whether he’ll play) because I don’t want to put pressure on him.
“We’ll introduce him at the right time, he’s getting closer all the time, and he has trained with the team, so we’re pleased with his progress, let’s wait and see.”
Howe on Elliot Anderson:
“He’s very valued by us. He’s had a number of niggles over the last couple of months which have prevented him being involved more.
“He’s got a valuable role to play with us between now and the end season – we certainly won’t be loaning him anywhere.”
Howe on fatigue and injuries in midfield:
“The physical exertion of our group shouldn’t be underestimated. Our players have to give a lot. The midfield in particular I think epitomised that [against Arsenal].
“We don’t have great strength in depth at the moment in terms of numbers. No issues with any of them though. They’re enjoying the rhythm of playing games.“
