The international break is over and Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Brighton at St James’ Park.
On the injury front, the good news is that Alexander Isak’s toe has “fully healed.” The Swede has “looked good” in training this week and is set to return to the side against the Seagulls, provided he comes through today’s session with no issues.
Callum Wilson “possibly needs more time” despite making progress over the past fortnight, with the striker being assessed “day to day” after returning to training. “When we get him back we want to keep him back – we have to make right call,” was Howe’s message this morning as our No.9 looks to return from a procedure on his back over the summer.
Kieran Trippier has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in our 0-0 draw at Everton last time out. Howe revealed that it’s “nothing too serious” but he’s facing a “few weeks out”, suggesting he’ll miss tomorrow’s game and next Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.
Lewis Miley was pictured back in training this week – a welcome boost after a broken foot kept him out of pre-season and all of our opening nine games. This weekend’s game will come too soon for the 18-year-old, however, with Howe planning to “reintroduce him at right time” after a long period out.
“He (Miley) has been back training during the break. He has looked really good, looks like he has not been away. It has been great to see. We will re-introduce him at the right time, he will have some competition, he is coming back into a great environment.”
Elsewhere, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain longer term absentees as they continue their recovery from knee surgery.
What an absolute waste of space Wilson is, hardly plays always out injured or picks up injuries after a couple of games.
His salary could have been better spent elsewhere, and we could have cashed in.
Trippier starting to follow a similar pattern.
Joseph(Quote)
This is my only real concern with Howe Joseph he wants to hang on to players to long shame really because he’s got everything in his locker to be one of the elite IMO saying that get the feeling Mitchell and the owners will starting making them decisions to sell a player for him
Darren Bebb(Quote)