Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, offering an update on injuries and contract situations ahead of Monday’s trip to Chelsea.
He’s confirmed that Kieran Trippier’s calf injury is ‘minor’, but it’ll be enough to ‘probably’ keep him out of our next two games against Chelsea and Man City (FA Cup), with Howe hopeful he’ll be back for West Ham later this month.
Howe added that Nick Pope is doing well, but is more likely to return next month, with the club reluctant to rush a goalkeeper back after shoulder surgery.
Matt Targett is back in training and could make the bench at Stamford Bridge, with Trippier out and Lewis Hall ineligible against midway through his loan move.
Joelinton is ‘really pushing’ to come back quickly from thigh surgery and the club are ‘still trying’ to sort his contract situation, with Howe ‘desperate’ to keep the Brazilian on Tyneside.
Howe on Trippier – “Kieran’s injury is not too bad, a minor injury. The scans showed enough to probably keep him out for the next two games, and we hope he will be back for the first game after the international break, although that’s not guaranteed.
“There is every chance he travels to both games; he is very keen to stay with the group despite the injury. It highlights his leadership qualities.”
Howe on Joelinton – “He really wants to be there for his team-mates. I can sense a little bit of sadness in him but a determination as well. I know that he’s really pushing to come back as quickly as he can but in a safe way.”
“We’re still trying from the club side (to agree a new contract). Desperate to keep him. We know his qualities but there’s no major update.”
