Speaking in this morning’s press conference, Eddie Howe has issued a positive update on the fitness front ahead of Sunday’s clash with Man Utd.
He’s confirmed that Nick Pope (knock) and Sven Botman (food poisoning) have trained, with Fabian Schar also OK after withdrawing from the Switzerland squad to manage a foot injury.
It seems Alexander Isak has also returned from Sweden injury free, while Callum Wilson (illness) and Allan Saint-Maximin (tight hamstring) have trained and benefited from the break. Joelinton will also return from a two-game ban, with Howe praising his “huge presence” in the squad and the boost that will give us going into Sunday.
Anthony Gordon only played a “very small part” in training on Wednesday and remains a doubt, despite claims he’d be fit to return. As for Miguel Almiron, Howe insists he’s making ‘really good progress’, but remains around four weeks away from returning, meaning he’ll miss out alongside Emil Krafth (ACL).
Here’s what Howe had to say on all of the above, featuring comments on our training camp in Dubai:
Howe on Nick Pope and Sven Botman:
“Nick felt a problem in his thigh after the Wolves game and didn’t train in preparation for the Nottingham Forest game but completed that game with a bit of discomfort. He didn’t train in Dubai but has done this week so the signs are good.
“Sven suffered a nasty bout of food poisoning. I don’t think he was alone in the Netherlands’ camp so he left early to get himself back up to speed. He’s trained with us since he’s returned so he should be fine.”
Howe on Anthony Gordon:
“I don’t know yet if Anthony Gordon will be involved. He took part in a very small part of training on Wednesday so we’ll see how he’s responded to that today.”
Howe on Miguel Almiron still being four weeks away:
“I’d love him to beat the timescale given, but I don’t see it currently. He’s making good progress and he’s pain free so I don’t think there’s any long term issues but it’s just the time it takes for the muscle to heal. I think we’re four weeks off, maybe slightly less, but he’s making really good progress.”
Howe on Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin:
“Callum’s trained, Maxi’s trained. They’re both in good form, very positive.”
Howe on Joelinton’s return:
“Joe is a huge presence, not just physically but I think the other lads know how good a player he is so to have him back amongst the squad is a boost for us. The other players, in his absence, have performed very well so it’s great to have competition.”
Howe on the training camp in Dubai:
“It was good. The training we enjoyed. We worked hard during the break, all good. It’s been good for some players, an opportunity to rest a couple who had been carrying knocks. The break came at a good time for Fabian (Schar) & Anthony Gordon.”
Howe on Alexander Isak:
“I’ve not seen him yet, so I’ll see him for the first time today, but I’m not aware of any problems.
“He has a brilliant way about him off the pitch & on the pitch he’s electric & a really exciting player. Complements what we have and the players are excited to play with him. I’m really excited about the future for him and it’s just the start”
