Howe admits his team "didn't look right" without unsung hero and offers Saint-Maximin update

Following our 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa, Eddie Howe has admitted the team 'didn't look right' without Sean Longstaff, feeling we missed his tenacity and endurance.

Throughout the game it was clear to see that we were being overrun in midfield - perhaps he goes under the radar sometimes, but this game really highlighted his importance.

According to Howe, the 25-year-old hadn't trained last week due to a 'bout of tonsillitis' and was deemed not fit to start the game.

We were also missing the attacking flair of Saint-Maximin as we looked lost going forwards and could have at least used his energy in the second half coming off the bench.

The Frenchman also missed our victory over Brentford last week due to a suspected hamstring injury and it is still unknown when he will return - Howe is hoping to know more in the coming days.

Here's what Howe said on our missing players:

"Sean had a bout of tonsilitis in the week, so he didn’t train. We felt he wasn’t fit to start the game.

"I don’t think his absence necessarily affects where Bruno is playing on the pitch, but we maybe missed Sean’s tenacity and his legs and energy. His endurance levels are at the very highest level, and we didn’t look right in midfield."

When asked if ASM could be fit to face Spurs, Howe then added: "I’m not sure at the moment (on Saint-Maximin). We’ll have to wait and see. Hopefully, we’ll know more in the next few days."