Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, looking ahead to tomorrow night’s clash with Leeds United at St James’ Park.
Naturally, the media started with questions on the injury front, where Howe offered updates on five players.
Jacob Murphy is a doubt for the match, with a ‘late call’ set to be made on his availability after a hamstring issue forced him off in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
He’s been for a scan, which has shown no major injury, but it seems the issue is fatigue-related, giving Howe a decision to make on his availability tomorrow night.
“He (Murphy) has had a scan, good news on that, no major injury so probably just fatigue. His physical numbers in the game were outstanding so I think he will be available for us, fingers crossed.”
Anthony Elanga is “not quite there yet” in his recovery from an injury that’s seen him miss out last three games. However, Howe insists it “won’t be long” until the Swedish international is back.
Elsewhere, three more remain sidelined in Dan Burn, Will Osula and Emil Krafth, with our injury list slowly starting to reduce now Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier are back available.
With this in mind, it sounds like we may be light on right wingers against Leeds, meaning Harvey Barnes could be forced to start on that right side should Murphy miss out.
