Eddie Howe has confirmed that Javier Manquillo has picked up a groin injury, while Joe Willock and Emil Krafth have been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
With Harrison Ashby sealing a loan move to Swansea and Tino Livramento not yet signed, this meant Jacob Murphy filled in at right-back during yesterday’s 4-0 win over Villarreal.
Another player who returned to the side was Sean Longstaff, which Eddie Howe describes as a “big boost” after the midfielder missed all three of our Summer Series games in the US. He played over 75 minutes and came through well considering his “very limited” training time.
Elsewhere, Howe believes we’re “getting everyone back to fitness around the ideal time” ahead of Saturday’s game, but this weekend’s opener will come too soon for Joe Willock (hamstring) and Emil Krafth (ACL) after both have failed to feature in any of our pre-season games so far.
Fabian Schar played no part over the weekend, but Howe’s recent comments suggest he’ll train this week and could well return in time for Aston Villa. Here’s what Howe’s had to say on all of the above:
Howe on Joe Willock and Emil Krafth:
“Fingers crossed we are getting everyone back to fitness around the ideal time. The only two players we will definitely be missing for the start of the season are Emil Krafth and Joe Willock, but fingers crossed everyone else could be OK.”
Howe on Javier Manquillo:
“Javier has a slight groin complaint. We hope it’s nothing serious.”
Howe on Sean Longstaff returning to action:
“It was a big boost for him and a big boost for us because he’s a very important player. He’s done very limited training during pre-season and picked up a really small (groin) niggle, but when a niggle is enough to keep you out for two weeks, it really can set you back.
“So it’s testament to his fitness levels that he’s able to get through the time he got through today – fingers crossed he feels good.
I want to thank eddie howe for is senestivity on the players form he really make them strong but please sport director should releas money for howe to sign central right back and central left back they should not depened on those weakers defences is the most importan things we should looking into it now
Edi-ken mb(Quote)