Eddie Howe has revealed that Dan Burn will be out for “a couple of months” after suffering a spinal injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Speaking to the press in Germany ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, the boss also confirmed that Matt Targett is set to be out for “around three months” with a hamstring issue that’s likely to require surgery.
Burn’s injury is described as a “long-term problem”, and a “huge blow” to the squad, seeing two left-back options ruled out for the next few months.
Elsewhere, Howe gave little away on other injuries, saying he’ll “see who is fit” for tomorrow. Alexander Isak was spotted in light training this morning, but he is expected to miss out alongside Jacob Murphy (dislocated shoulder), Elliot Anderson (back), Sven Botman (knee), Sandro Tonali (suspension)), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Javier Manquillo (groin).
Here’s what Howe’s had to say on the injury front, confirming bad news on Burn and Targett:
Howe on Dan Burn:
“Unfortunately, Dan will be out for some time. It could be a couple of months, that is sort of a speculative answer. He landed on his spine; I think he has got a problem with the base of his spine.
“It is a huge blow for us. He has been gigantic for us since he signed, for a lot of different reasons. His character, his determination, his experience and versatility too – so it is not just one position we are losing.”
Howe on Matt Targett:
“He’s seeing a specialist tonight but it won’t be a short-term fix. He will probably be out around three months. That’s a rough estimate.”
Howe on other injuries:
“We’ll see who is fit and who is available. You’re always going to get injuries. Some of the injuries are on a longer-term scale so there’s no relief coming around the corner. We wouldn’t have it any other way. The games have come at a cost.”
