£20m man to start and 4 ruled out as Howe talks Isak, ASM & Gordon ahead of Bournemouth trip
Eddie Howe has all but confirmed Allan Saint-Maximin will start tomorrow's clash with Bournemouth, revealing that the winger has been given a 'window to impress.'
Despite criticism on social media, the boss has defended his display in last weekend's 1-1 draw with West Ham, believing aspects of his game were in a 'really good place' considering it was his first Premier League start in five months.
Alexander Isak has also been passed fit to return after concussion protocols ruled him out against the Hammers, while Anthony Gordon has enjoyed an impressive week of training and is someone he'd have "no doubts" about starting based on his Premier League experience.
Elsewhere, Matt Targett is 'close' to a return to training, however, he will sit out our trip to Bournemouth along with Bruno Guimaraes (suspended), Javier Manquillo (knee) and Emil Krafth (ACL).
Here's what Howe's had to say on all of the above, starting with this pre-match comments on Saint-Maximin; a player he's set to turn to once again in Bruno's absence:
Howe on Saint-Maximin:
"I think Maxi’s someone who performs with a consistent run of games, but I would say that would be the case for all players. So I think he has a window and opportunity to impress.
"I thought there were some aspects of his game that were in a really good place last week.
"I thought, most importantly, he tried to give his all for the team. I don’t think there was any lack of effort from him. I thought West Ham managed him well in the game.
"Teams will always look at him as a big threat, and probably produce game plans on keeping him quiet. It’s up to us and him to try and find a solution those game plans.
"I’ve been really pleased with his attitude and how he’s worked this week. Maxi’s in a better place.”
Howe on Isak:
"He will be in the squad. He's fully recovered with no problems. Initially he got hit on the head and he didn't feel too bad but we had to follow protocols. He's been good this week."
Howe on Targett, Manquillo and Bruno:
Targett will be out. Manquillo is getting close. And Bruno obviously. Targett is close to training but we haven't seen him yet.
"He (Targett) is close to training. He's worked hard on his rehabilitation with the physios and he's getting close to returning to the group."
Howe on Gordon:
"It was a really positive debut from him last week and I am really pleased. Your first impression that you give the home supporters is such an important moment.
"His first touch was a brilliant one, and from there he was away and running. I was really pleased with that and I think he's taken that confidence into training this week.
"He's keen. I did some one to one work with him on Monday and he then trained with the rest of the group through the week. He's showed some really good signs, his overall performance levels have been really good."
"I'd have no doubts about playing him from the off. He knows the league, he knows the intensity, he's been to all the grounds and played for a huge club, so no worries there."
