Bad news confirmed as Howe issues grim injury update on Alexander Isak & Allan Saint-Maximin

Eddie Howe revealed that Allan Saint-Maximin could be out 'for a while' following a 'very minor' setback, while Alexander Isak will 'probably' be missing until after the World Cup after another thigh injury.

The Frenchman was preparing to return for our 0-0 draw at Manchester United after making a substitute appearance last week, but an aggravation to his hamstring injury will cause him to miss out at least the next few games.

Similarly, Isak - who retuned from international duty with a thigh injury - could also be side-lined until after the World Cup; a huge blow to our front line given our need to wrap Callum Wilson in cotton wool.

In recent games, Jacob Murphy, Ryan Fraser and Elliot Anderson had filled in for the starters, and although the effort can't be questioned, the lack of goal threat is obvious.

Howe confirmed that we will have to be 'very careful' upon the return of the attacking duo, but for now we will have to rely on the players who have led the line more recently - and make sure to wrap Callum Wilson in bubble wrap.

Here's what Howe had to say on the injured duo after the draw at Old Trafford:

"Saint-Maximin has had a setback, unfortunately.

"He's felt a very small pain in his hamstring during the week. A huge blow for us. It's the third time he's aggravated it. It's very minor but it's going to keep him out for a period"

"On its own, that would be a very small issue, probably a few days out. But because it’s the third time he has done it now, we’re going to have to be very careful with his return to play.”

“Alexander (Isak) has just reinjured his thigh so a very similar injury to the first one he picked up with Sweden.

"He’s going to be out for a period of time. We probably won’t see him before we break for the World Cup."

"Two huge blows."