Eddie Howe has been chatting to the media this morning, offering an update on injuries and availability heading into Sunday’s FA Cup tie at home to Brighton.

The fifth round clash comes after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, where we were without three key players in Sven Botman, Joelinton and Alexander Isak.

Will they be back this weekend? Here’s what Howe’s had to say when asked about the fitness of all three ahead of a vital run of games in the FA Cup, Premier League and Carabao Cup.

Howe issues Isak update

Reading between the lines, I’d be surprised if we saw Alexander Isak against Brighton this weekend.

Howe seems confident the ‘slight groin problem’ that kept him out at Liverpool is NOT a ‘long-term’ problem, but he’s not keen to take any risks just two weeks away from the League Cup final.

Asked about Isak this morning, Howe said: “We’ll see today, I haven’t seen him since the game, so we’ll see how he is today and have a discussion with him I’m sure. We don’t think it’s a long-term problem.

“In part obviously there was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can’t be at this stage of the season. There’s always a risk with any player – even if they’re 100% fit, that’s the world that we’re in, but we wouldn’t take any risks on his long-term fitness. But we’ll see how he is today.”

Joelinton, Botman and Wilson latest

Joelinton and Botman are due back in training today, giving them “a chance” of making Sunday’s game.

Howe claims today’s session will be a big one for both, determining whether or not they’ll be in a position to return to the squad after missing our last few games with knee issues.

“Sven and Joe have a chance, today is a big day for them,” Howe said. “Today we will see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not. Knowing both players, they will be keen to be involved.”