Howe confirms 6-week injury and issues fresh update on Guimaraes, Saint-Maximin and Wilson

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press this morning for the first time in two weeks, issuing an update on the fitness front ahead of tomorrow's clash with Bournemouth.

He's confirmed that Karl Darlow has suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out for around 6-8 weeks, which explains why we brought in "outstanding candidate" Loris Karius on a free transfer.

Elsewhere, Howe was tight-lipped when asked for an injury update on star trio Bruno Guimaraes, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson.

He insists that they've all "improved" after missing the last few games with hamstring injuries, but refused to say much more, suggesting he'll make a late decision ahead of tomorrow's meeting with the Cherries at St James' Park.

Here's what Howe's had to say on all of the above, starting with his coy response on Bruno, ASM and Wilson:

“Everyone’s improved. But I’ll leave my team news till when we get it.

"It’s been a slightly difficult period but we’re hopefully coming out of it.

"They’re big players for us - we need them back quickly.”

Howe then had this to say on Karl Darlow's injury situation, believing Karius' arrival is a "wise move" that made sense based on his age, experience and ability to compliment our current options in goal:

“The injury to Karl was strange. He’ll be 6-8 weeks. I'm anticipating 6.

“It was strange, just a normal shot action and he twisted his ankle.

"We decided it was wise to get someone to compliment our keepers and Loris Karius was the outstanding candidate from a small pool”

"It was wise to move for someone with experience who could compliment GKs we had. Good age - incredible experience he’s trained very well. Every player has point to prove.”