Eddie Howe has revealed that Sven Botman has suffered an injury setback, admitting the club are still trying to diagnose his ongoing knee problem.
The boss was hopeful of having the Dutchman back soon, but fears he may be a ‘long-term’ absentee as we wait for clarity on the issue that’s seen him miss our last seven games.
Elsewhere, Howe has confirmed that we’ll go into tomorrow’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United with the same squad that travelled to Wolves, with the injury situation remaining the same.
This means the likes of Alexander Isak (groin), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Harvey Barnes (foot), Lewis Miley (glandular fever) will miss out once again, with Sandro Tonali also absent following a 10-month ban.
On the plus side, Joe Willock is “getting closer” and Joelinton is “finding his rhythm again” after recently returning from knee and hamstring injuries. With the injury list an issue, Howe believes “everyone has to step up.”
Ahead of our trip to Old Trafford, here’s what Howe told the press when asked for an injury update…
Howe on Sven Botman setback:
“There’s an issue there. We are working through various options to try and diagnose the injury properly.
“Does he fall into the longer-term category? Yeah, perhaps. But we’re awaiting clarity.”
Howe on injury latest ahead of Man Utd trip:
“For this game I don’t think we are expecting anybody to be available that wasn’t available against Wolves.
“Alex Isak we hope will be back after the international break.
“The majority are longer term unfortunately for us but that’s the position we are in. So we are going to go with a similar squad (to Wolves).”
Howe on Willock and Joelinton:
“I think he (Willock) is getting closer, those two appearances have been really good for him.
“I think he’s done really well, he’s a huge player for us. As I’ve said previously, Joelinton is beginning to find his rhythm again after his period of time out.
“There are positives in amongst a couple of negatives we’ve had. I think you’re always going to have that in the season we’re currently facing, the risk of injuries is higher with the amount of games we have.
“That is where the power of the group has to show, everyone has to step up.”
