After two weeks away over the international break, Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press this morning, issuing a much-needed update on the injury front ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Chelsea.
The good news is that Fabian Schar and Miguel Almiron are both OK, with Kieran Trippier also passed fit to play despite withdrawing from the England squad last week due to a personal matter.
Howe remained coy on Alexander Isak (groin), saying “I don’t want to give too much away” and revealed that a late check will be made on Sean Longstaff (ankle) before tomorrow’s game.
Bruno Guimaraes is back from a ban, but the extent of Callum Wilson’s hamstring injury remains ‘unclear’. Either way, he will miss out once again along with Sven Botman (knee). Howe is hopeful the Dutchman will ‘rejoin the group pretty quickly’, but admits ‘there’s a chance’ he’ll be facing an extened spell on the sidelines.
Elsewhere, Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Sandro Tonali and Javier Manquillo remain absent, with Lewis Hall also ineligible due to the terms of his loan-to-buy move.
Here’s what Howe has had to say on all of the above this morning:
“Fabian [Schär] was more precautionary rather than any injury, we saw him yesterday – he seemed good. Miggy has worked really well since his hamstring. Kieran [Trippier] is fine, he has trained with us since his return from England. We will check on Sean [Longstaff] before tomorrow.
“I don’t want to give too much away (on Alexander Isak). We have the majority of players out with longer-term injuries. January for a few of them.
“I’m hoping not too long (for Sven Botman) and rejoins group pretty quickly. But there’s chance that may not happen”
“We’ve had a very small squad. Players came back yesterday so good to see the group back together. We’re ready for the game.”
