Howe confirms three injuries ahead of Tottenham trip and issues Allan Saint-Maximin update
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press this morning, offering an update on the injury front ahead of Sunday's trip to Spurs.
Starting with Joelinton, it seems the Brazilian is a doubt for the weekend, with Howe revealing that the extent of his knee problem remains "slightly unclear."
The big man was forced off at the break during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Everton and will be assessed over the coming days, although the boss remains "hopeful it's not serious."
He's also confirmed that Paul Dummett has picked up a calf problem, while Javier Manquillo has been absent with an ankle injury, although it's hoped the latter will return to training today.
Allan Saint-Maximin is making "good progress" after suffering a fresh setback last week, with Howe revealing that he's been working "very hard" with the physios to ensure he's back fit and firing before the World Cup break in three weeks time.
Howe on Joelinton:
“He had a knock to the side of his knee. It was quite an unusual one as we thought it was a knock and hopefully he could run it off.
“Joe is the type of lad that is very mentally strong and can play with lots of different things in my time here so when he said he had to come off at half-time, we knew there was a potential issue there.
"We’re hopeful it’s not serious but at this moment in time it’s slightly unclear.”
Howe on Dummett and Manquillo:
“Paul Dummett picked up a calf problem, so he’s working his way back to fitness and Manquillo picked up an ankle injury, but he will train today.”
“Sometimes injuries take time to come to the fore. We’ll see the lads again today. Hopefully there’s nothing too serious.”
Howe on Saint-Maximin returning before the World Cup break:
"We hope so.
"I haven't seen too much of him over the past few days, but I think he's making good progress on his recovery.
"He's very focused on his recovery and working very hard with the physios to get his injury right.
