Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, offering an update on the fitness front ahead of Saturday’s trip to Anfield.
Bruno Guimaraes (ankle) trained yesterday and will be assessed today, which will go a long way to deciding whether he’ll be ready to start at Liverpool tomorrow.
There is ‘good news’ on Joelinton, as he’s been in Barcelona to get an injection in his groin, with specialists believing he’s looking at ‘weeks, not months.’
Tino Livramento is ‘doing well’ and will have another scan on his hamstring today. Howe stated that he’s still five or six weeks away, however, meaning March remains a likely return date for the right-back.
Jacob Murphy and Will Osula are training again and pushing to return to action, although Howe sounded reluctant to rush either, suggesting both may be limited to the bench against Liverpool. Elsewhere, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain out.
Howe on Bruno – “Bruno trained with us yesterday, but that was more of a test. So, let’s see how he is today. This will be the day, really, where we decide.”
Howe on Joelinton – “He flew on to Barcelona after the game to get an injection in his groin. It was good news. The specialist feels he only needs one injection and that means his return could be quite quick and we’re looking at weeks, not months. Unsure of the exact date yet, but it’s positive news.”
Howe on Murphy and Osula – “Jacob’s getting there. He’s made some good progress in the last few days. Yesterday was his first full training session. Again, another player that was there with us but slightly reluctant to use him. Will Osula is in the same boat after minimal training time.”
Howe on Livramento – “He’s doing well. I believe he’s having a scan today. A second scan to see the progress of his hamstring. Fingers crossed it’s good news and if it is, he’ll be back out running. We’re still probably five to six weeks away and we’re looking at an early March return, providing everything goes well.
