Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media just moments ago, offering an update on the injury front ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to West Ham.
The boss has revealed that late checks will be made on Callum Wilson and Joelinton, who are ‘the closest’ to returning, but was unable say whether they’d be fit in time for this weekend’s game.
He insists that Harvey Barnes (toe) is the only ‘long-term’ injury, suggesting Sven Botman won’t be out too much longer, but the Dutchman has been ruled out of Sunday, meaning Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles may have to go again.
Anthony Gordon is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow of the season against Burnley. Howe describes his absence as ‘another blow for us’ following his superb form, while Joe Willock (Achilles) remains out. Here’s what he had to say this morning:
Howe on injuries and suspensions going into Sunday’s game:
“The injury list doesn’t look great but I don’t think, touch wood, apart from Harvey [Harvey Barnes] that there is anything long-term there but maybe some short-term pain for us.
“We’ll have and see how Callum [Wilson] and Joelinton are. They’re probably the closest two.
“Anthony [Gordon] is suspended which is another blow for us. Sven [Botman] won’t make it.
“We’ve had a few injuries and players have come in and taken those opportunities. It gives a greater feeling of everyone being involved. We still have some very good players on the pitch and you could see that on Wednesday.”
Howe on the need to refocus this weekend:
“I’m just so pleased in terms of the performance on Wednesday. The feeling afterwards will hopefully live long. Now we have to refocus our energy and our attention to West Ham.
“We know it will be a difficult game so we have to get our psychology right.”
