Eddie Howe has revealed that Harvey Barnes is “not currently” close to returning, insisting there’s others who could come back before the winger.
When asked for if our summer signing is close to returning to action, he said – “No, not currently. He (Barnes) is not one of the closest players (to returning).”
Speaking to the press after Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Spurs, the boss then discussed Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson’s return, discussing their chances of starting on Wednesday;
“Today it would have been easy to say: ‘You’ve got Callum and Sean, put them on the pitch.’ But they’re not 100% fit so I’ve got to be very careful with them.
“They [Longstaff and Wilson] will be better for today. That was a good 30 minutes for them but we’ll have to take it game by game but it’s a difficult one to predict for Wednesday. We need more players back and hopefully that will be the case in the next few weeks.
Howe was then asked about Lewis Hall’s lack of minutes, with many fans wondering why he hasn’t been given a chance while Kieran Trippier has looked so shattered. Here’s what the 46-year-old said, insisting Trippier’s attacking threat and Tino’s displays at left-back have made it difficult to leave either out:
“I think Tino Livramento has been excellent at left-back. And Kieran’s got his obvious qualities at right-back. That would be the reason. Lewis, when he comes on, has to perform well.”
“When he (Trippier) is part of your biggest attacking threat every week, he’s a very difficult one to leave out.
“Even today, Kieran had his moments where he produced some really good crosses, especially in the second half. He’s just an outstanding technician, and we will certainly miss him against Fulham.”
Tripps ‘qualities’ have now directly cost us 5 goals in the last two matches. He needs dropping.
Great player but even he shouldn’t be immune to being rested or dropped.
sickntired(Quote)
sick tired :- totally agree and add the blank firing Almiron to the list.
Joseph(Quote)
No doubt Tripps has been at fault for goals in last 2 games but his overall efforts need to be taken into account. He spends more time than others getting forward as he is only player capable of putting crosses in from the right – he is constantly overlapping Almiron to get to the by-line and put a cross in, which would tire any player. Its a shame that Almiron is incapable of going past anyone or cutting inside to put a cross in with his favourable left foot.
John Mac(Quote)
Howe is to loyal hall should be getting game time i wonder if Burn will be treated the same way Howe needs to get his act together for this transfer window and get some class players bought or its going to look like its as far as he can take us
THOMAS ROBSON(Quote)