It’s something that would have seemed unthinkable just months after the Carabao Cup final win and re-qualifying for the Champions League, but have things hit rock bottom for Eddie Howe?
Sunday’s defeat against Sunderland was an unfortunately humbling experience: one side wanted it more than the other and we never looked like scoring, see the manager issue an apology to fans after the game.
The stakes have got even higher for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham, but it looks like Dan Burn may the latest Mag facing a spell on the sidelines if Howe’s Sunday night update is anything to go by…
Burn taken to hospital
Dan Burn was on the wrong side of a nasty blow from Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele, enduring a heavy challenge to the ribs in the first half.
After receiving treatment for a few minutes, it had looked like Burn would be able to continue, but after communicating with the dugout, he was substituted for Fabian Schar right before half time.
Sky’s Keith Downie revealed that Burn was taken to hospital via ambulance for further checks, while Howe told the media that he was in a “lot of pain” and “struggling to breathe” at half-time:
“It’s very unlike Dan to come off, he was obviously in a lot of pain. He’s gone to hospital for a check-up on his ribs.”
“He’s gone to hospital. He was struggling to breathe at half-time, so I think he’s had a bit of a problem.”
Looking ahead to our midweek game against Fulham in the Carabao Cup, Howe added:
“We’ve had so many games, and we have so many games to come that nothing’s decided on today.
“We’re really disappointed that we haven’t got more for our supporters and for all the obvious reasons, but we’ve got to bounce back on Wednesday.”
Injury list grows
Should Burn be ruled out with a rib injury for the midweek cup tie, it will be just the latest injury to impact Howe’s squad.
Sven Botman has been missing for a few weeks, and Nick Pope was absent once again on Sunday after failing to recover from a groin injury in time.
In terms of other defensive option, Howe hopes to have Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth back “towards the Christmas period”, while Will Osula’s ankle issue remains a concern, with no clear update on when he’ll be available again.
Bruno Guimaraes is fit, but his late booking against Sunderland puts him on four yellows for the season and one booking away from suspension.
Where the hell is Botman? 2 seasons of injuries. Time to get rid as soon as we can and get someone in who can stay fit as we can’t be relying on 34 year olds to play with Thiaw
Keith(Quote)
I see the whinging whinnies are voicing negativism. Forgotten the Ashley babes already, ready to decry a manager who took us forward more than any other incumbent . There has to be winners and losers. No one is a supreme leader, and negatives gives you Notts Forest, Spurs, Rangers. Your support will see Tino go to Man City and Tonali to Madrid ! Toxic warped comment of what if buts doesn’t work.
Frankly(Quote)
It’s hardly the support calling for improvement that will lead to players leaving it will be the manager not being able to improve results that will see them leave.
I don’t want Howe sacked but he needs to change how poor we are away from home.
Unfortunately it’s looking a bit like his spell at Bournemouth where his tactics were worked out and the team became stale.
The team has a massive few weeks ahead and we need to see improvement.
David(Quote)
I agree Howe needs to change tack , more especially in defence and up front. But his job is to manage and after a few disappointing results I’m sure he’ll prove his point and we will see improvements. My point is the fickle supporters who expect a win/trophy/league championship every time, who believe a world busting manager can come from a pumpkin. These ‘prawn sandwich’ complaints would eventually try the patience of a saint.
Frankly(Quote)