Eddie Howe has issued a positive update on the injury front ahead of tomorrow’s final home game of the season against Brighton.
Speaking to the local media, he’s confirmed that Kieran Trippier has “trained well” this week after returning to the first team group following a calf injury that’s kept him out for two months. A decision will be made today on his availability, but Howe feels he’s “raring to go.”
There’s also good news on Fabian Schar (hamstring). He won’t be back for tomorrow’s game, but he’s improving and “feeling good, with Howe issuing a “let’s see” message when asked if he could return for next week’s trip to Man Utd, suggesting could actually play again this season.
Joelinton, Nick Pope and Miguel Almiron are all ok after returning to the squad at Burnley and have “trained well”, so it’ll be interesting to see if any of them return to our starting XI tomorrow. Here’s what Howe had to say on all five:
Howe on Trippier: “He’s getting closer. He’s trained this week for the first time with the group which is brilliant. You can see the strength of the group returning with key figures back. He trained well, it’s been a good week for him and we’ll make a decision on him today.”
“He is desperate to be involved and he has been contribute for a few weeks. He knows that he has to manage his injury and make sure there is no recurrence of the calf injury. He is refreshed and has had some time away. It has helped him mentally and he’s raring to go.”
Howe on Schar: “I don’t think he’ll figure tomorrow. Let’s wait and see about next week. He’s certainly improving and feeling good.”
Howe on Joelinton and Almiron: “They have trained well; we have been able to get some good work into their bodies. They are still building their robustness if you like, you need the load behind you to stay fit. They are doing well.”
Howe on Pope vs Dubravka: “I think if both keepers were 100% fit that is a very difficult call. Nick is still building his robustness. Last week was very clear. Martin deserved to play and Nick is still finding his rhythm. Nick is in a good place and building his strength back up.”
I don’t agree with it being a difficult call between Dubs or Pope, Pope every time for me.
Porkpie(Quote)
agree if both 100% but if Nick is not quite ready, give him another week
PremAndUp(Quote)