Howe hints at new injury concern - but is he bluffing ahead of AC Milan clash?

Eddie Howe has issued an injury update ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League decider against AC Milan at St James' Park.

Speaking at the St James' Park press conference just after 4pm, the boss was asked if he could clear up why Anthony Gordon, Martin Dubravka and Sean Longstaff were not pictured in this morning's training session.

However, Howe remained typically tight-lipped, saying "you can read into it whatever you want" after all three weren't spotted, but admitted it's currently "slightly unclear" if Dubravka will be fit after claims he's carrying a minor shoulder injury.

Howe then said he's "not sure" if any of our other injured players will return against Milan, giving very little away on the likes of Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn and Sven Botman. Again, another highly ambiguous update to keep our Group F rivals guessing again!

Here's what he had to say on all of the above:

Howe on Gordon, Dubravka and Longstaff 'missing' training: 

"You can read into it whatever you want... [Gordon, Dubravka and Longstaff missing training this morning]

"We're two days after a game so we're trying to manage players. We'll see who's fit for tomorrow. I've just given you nothing there, haven't I!"

Howe when asked if Martin Dubravka is available after claims of a shoulder injury:

“That’s slightly unclear at the moment.”

Howe when asked if any of our injured players will return tomorrow: