Eddie Howe has issued an update on the injury front ahead of our trip to Liverpool on New Year’s Day, revealing some good and not so good news on potential returns to the squad.
Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes will miss out once again, but are ‘working behind the scenes’ and hoping to return over the second half of January.
The good news, however, is that Jamaal Lascelles could be back in the squad at Anfield, as the injury he picked up at Luton is not thought to be serious.
Howe also discussed what a huge boost it is to have Joelinton fit to start for the first time since our 3-0 win over Fulham, believing we’ve missed his ‘fight’ in midfield. With Elliot Anderson still struggling with a back injury, Joe Willock still a few weeks away and Sandro Tonali suspended, has his ‘fingers crossed’ we can keep him fit.
Elsewhere, the likes of, Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Javier Manquillo and Jacob Murphy remain out, although it’s hoped the latter isn’t too far away from returning.
Howe on Willock, Barnes and Lascelles:
“Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes continue to work behind the scenes, but we don’t have an update on them.“Jamaal Lascelles’ injury we don’t think is serious, we hope to get him back very soon. Let’s see, fingers crossed (he’ll be back for Liverpool).”
“Whenever you lose a player of Joe’s quality you realise how important they are. When he came on, he showed what he brings.
“His ability in duels and to bring that fight in midfield is something we missed in the game so fingers crossed we can keep him fit.”
