In what was a brutal, exhausting game for us, Eddie Howe has been left with a massive injury headache ahead of the trip to Elland Road next Saturday.

Excluding Anthony Gordon’s suspension for the next three games for his straight red card, Joelinton (groin), Sandro Tonali (shoulder) and Fabian Schar were all forced off in the second half of last night’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool injury-related concerns.

Discussing the issues, Howe admitted it’s not looking good on a number of fronts:

“It’s difficult for me to give a thorough assessment at the moment but Joelinton’s doesn’t look good, Sandro Tonali’s doesn’t look good.

“It (Tonali) looks like a shoulder injury but I’m not 100% sure what the actual problem is. He couldn’t move his arm.

”Of course, he’s such an important player and we can’t afford to lose him, or anyone else. Then to see Joelinton (groin) go off was a huge blow.”

”Of course Anthony Gordon will now be suspended and Fabian I think looks concussed.”

It’s perhaps a good thing Howe asked for at least six central midfield options to choose from in his squads, as having lost two of his big three, he can still rely on Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley to deputise in their absence.

On striker woes and solutions

Of course Alexander Isak was very notable by his absence, in what was yet another game where many Toon fans will feel that his presence could have seen a completely different result unfold.

It was reported earlier on Monday that Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation had personally visited Isak to outline the current situation and try to convince him to return to the squad as soon as possible.

But in place of Isak, Will Osula finally netted his second league for the club with the equaliser at 2-2, which will put him in a very strong position to start up top until Gordon and Isak’s respective returns.

On his mixed bag of a striker situation, Howe commented “I’m not party to those conversations that are ongoing with Alex’s representatives. We need to move forward with the situation and we need some clarity.”

But focusing on Osula’s goal, the boss expressed his delight for the Dane:

“Really pleased. It’s a great finish. I thought he did well when he came on – he looked lively, strong and quick.

It could have been a big moment for us – a point here would have been incredible from the players – but he can be very pleased with himself.”

Final comments on Isak situation

Howe has made it no secret how much he wants to Isak to return to the side. And now that this fiercely contested game with Liverpool has now come and gone, coupled with the reports that our owners have no intention of selling Isak this summer, Howe may soon get his earlier wish.

But in the meantime, Howe is sticking to another of his previous statements, indirectly addressing Isak and his open desire to depart for pastures new.