Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, offering an update on injuries and availability heading into tomorrow’s FA Cup clash away to Birmingham City.
The game comes just a few days after our semi-final win over Arsenal at St James’ Park, setting up a Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday 16th March.
However, we have plenty to focus on before then, with a FA Cup fourth-round tie in Birmingham coming prior to a tricky run of Premier League games against Man City, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Botman and Wilson updates
Eddie Howe has confirmed that Sven Botman’s knee issue is NOT serious, although it’ll be enough to keep him out of tomorrow’s game.
In better news, however, Callum Wilson feels ‘confident’ and ‘ready to start’, suggesting he could come into the starting XI at St. Andrews.
Howe on Botman – “I don’t think he (Botman) will be available for this weekend. He took a knock to his knee. It’s the opposite knee to his ACL injury. We don’t believe it’s serious. He won’t make Birmingham but we’ll assess him next week (before Man City)”
Howe on Wilson – “Callum (Wilson) is fine. He’s confident in his body and has done a lot of work for this moment. He feels robust and feels strong. He feels ready to start games, so fingers crossed his body holds up.”
Alongside Botman, Joelinton has been rule out with a knee problem, with Harvey Barnes (thigh) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) also absent once again.
Howe confirms rotation plans
Along with hinting at Callum Wilson’s first start for a few months, Howe suggested that he’ll rotate heavily from our midweek win over Arsenal, feeling this is a big chance or ‘other players’ to take their opportunity.
The boss admits that it will bee a ‘difficult ask’, both physically and mentally’, for the same players to ‘go agai
“It’s going to be a test of our squad strength. We will use this game to share some of the load, as some of the lads have played a lot of minutes.”
It’s great that Wilson is back & feeling good – but for the future, I hope it’s Osula that gets the start at the weekend.
We need to blood some young uns & have big guns on the bench if needed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Give Wilson the first half, then depending on the game state switch to Osula or Isak.
PremAndUp(Quote)
We are very light on the left and right wing positions, when you look at the effort Murphy and Gordon put in we don’t want to be in a burn out position with either.
Wilson for how long and Osula should be able to give Isak a rest.
Targett and can give Hall a break, midfield plenty to choose from, Krafth can at least give one of the centre backs a break as well.
With PSR being a hindrance I wouldn’t be that upset if we kept our powder dry for the league and Carabo Cup final.
It would have been different if We hadn’t got there.
Joseph(Quote)