Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning ahead of tomorrow’s cup tie with Wimbledon, giving some early team news for the 7.45pm kick-off at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak (toe) has been ruled out and could also miss Saturday’s trip to Everton. Kieran Trippier ‘felt OK yesterday’ but How is ‘unsure’ if he’ll make tomorrow’s game, with a ‘late decision’ set to be made on Sandro Tonali after he came off with suspected cramp on Saturday.
Elsewhere, the game will come too soon for Callum Wilson (back/hamstring), Lewis Miley (foot), Sven Botman (ACL), Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) and Matt Targett (eczema flare-up).
Howe vows to pick a ‘very strong team’, but admits it’s an opportunity to play those who haven’t had as much game time so far this season, suggesting the likes of Osula and Almiron may be handed a big chance to impress.
Howe on Isak – “He won’t be fit for this game. With Alex, we’ve not ruled him out of Everton. We’re sort of assessing him on a daily basis because there is a chance he could be fit for Everton if everything falls into place. Of course, then we have a decision to make. Does he play in that game or do we leave him knowing that he’ll be OK two weeks afterwards?”
Howe on Trippier and Tonali – “We will wait and see how Kieran [Trippier] is, he felt okay yesterday but we are not sure if he will be ready for tomorrow. Sandro [Tonali] came off with cramp, he is a player we will make a decision on later today.”
Howe on team selection – “I think we will see it as an opportunity to get game time for those that maybe haven’t played. But in saying that we’ll still pick a a very strong team. And ultimately, of course, we need to pick a team that we think can take us through to the next round. This is a vitally important game, so our preparation will be the same as it would be for a Premier League game. We’ll take it absolutely seriously.”
Howe on Wimbledon – “We are looking forward to welcoming them. For us, we take the game seriously. They have started the season well, they are a strong team and are very good from set plays. Defensively they have been excellent this season too, we have a challenge to break them down.”
