Two out of Aston Villa + Thiaw and Ramsey updates - Eddie Howe press conference

Premier League football finally returns this weekend, meaning Eddie Howe has been back facing the media in a pre-match press conference this morning.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's 12.30pm clash away to Aston Villa, the boss has offered updates on one injured Mag, a certain Alexander Isak and the hopes of two new signings featuring at Villa Park.

New centre-back Malick Thiaw will be in the matchday squad after training with his new teammates over the past two days since sealing a £34m move from AC Milan.

It will come too soon for soon-to-be signing Jacob Ramsey, however, who is still completing the final stages of his medical and set to miss today's 12pm deadline to register a place in time.

Joe Willock is still sidelined after picking up a pre-season injury in South Korea, but he "isn't too far away", despite initial fears he'd miss another month.

Last but not least, Howe confirms that Alexander Isak will NOT be in the squad and was never in with a shout of making it - despite his wishes to have the Swede involved.

See what Howe had to say on much of the above via the quotes below:

Howe on Isak - "Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case."

How on Isak bids - "No, there has been no change, all my focus has been on training and Villa and the transfer front."