In some ways, last night’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa has followed a similar pattern to Tuesday’s victory at Spurs.
Both were vital wins away from home, where we dug deep and found a way once again, but both ended with some concerning news on the injury front.
Where Bruno Guimaraes’ hamstring issue was a post-match concern on Tuesday, Eddie Howe revealed why both Sven Botman and Yoane Wissa missed out on the squad at Villa Park.
Howe confirmed that Botman has another back problem. Although it’s not serious, it’s the second time this season a back issue has kept out the injury-prone Dutchman who had been coming into real form in recent weeks.
As for Wissa, the boss revealed that the DR Congo striker” picked up a knock” in training on Friday and “may miss a couple of games”, suggesting he’ll sit out upcoming trips to Qarabag and Man City.
“Sven (Botman) has been feeling his back from the game against Tottenham.
“We don’t think it’s a serious injury, certainly hope he won’t be out for any period of time, but it was the right decision not to let him travel today.
“Yoane (Wissa) picked up a knock in training yesterday.
“Again we don’t think it’s serious, but he may miss a couple of games, let’s wait and see.”
Howe was then asked about Bruno’s hamstring issue, revealing that the Brazilian looks set to be absent until after the next international break in March, meaning he’d miss the Tyne and Wear derby and many other vital games in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League:
“Around the next international break. The March international break is when we’re hoping he’ll be back.
“He has a period of time now where he will have to work hard on his hamstring to make sure he is fully fit, but we are looking at that period of time.”
With Lewis Miley still managing a dead leg and Joelinton edging closer to a return after missing the last few weeks, we’re suddenly looking light at the back, in midfield and up top.
Tino Livramento is due back next month and has recently returned to the grass, but Fabian Schar isn’t due back until April and there appears to be no imminent return date for forgotten man Emil Krafth.
