Eddie Howe delivers the good and bad news ahead of Sunday's trip to Manchester United

Speaking to the press in the last few moments, Eddie Howe has issued some mixed news on the fitness front.

The good news is that we've picked up no new injuries ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester United, however the game will come too soon for Alexander Isak and Jonjo Shelvey.

It was reported earlier this week that our club record signing should return to the squad this weekend, but Howe has revealed that he'll be forced to sit this one out - despite "making progress" on a thigh injury that's kept him out since the last international break.

As for Shelvey, he's believed to be "very close" to a comeback after returning to light training, meaning next Wednesday's clash with Everton may be more realistic comeback dates for the pair.

Elsewhere, Karl Darlow (ankle), Emil Krafth (ACL) and Matt Ritchie (calf) remain out, however the NUFC boss will have a decision to make on the fit-again Allan Saint-Maximin; who will be pushing to start for the first time since our 1-1 draw at Wolves.

Here's what Howe's had to say on Isak, Shelvey and the calf injury that could keep Ritchie out until after the World Cup:

"We've not picked up any new injuries."

"Alexander Isak is making progress but he's not available for this game.

"Jonjo (Shelvey) is getting closer. He has trained - not necessarily full training at this moment but he's very close.

"Matt (Ritchie) picked up a calf problem. We don't know whether he'll be back before the World Cup but he's doing well."