Howe issues major injury update on Wilson, Barnes, Botman, Bruno, Isak and Burn
Eddie Howe has issued a major update on the injury front this morning, revealing that Harvey Barnes has been ruled out for THREE months.
The winger won't require surgery, but the boss believes it's a 'huge blow' to lose Barnes until 2024 given the number of fixtures coming our way between now and then.
Elsewhere, Howe has revealed that Callum Wilson (tight hamstring), Sven Botman (knee) and Alexander Isak (calf tightness) will all have late fitness tests before tomorrow's clash with Burnley at St James' Park, while Joe Willock and Emil Krafth remain out.
It's hoped all three will be fine, but there's better news on Bruno Guimaraes (ankle) and Dan Burn (illness), as Howe believes both will be OK.
Here's what he's had to say on all of the above this morning, starting with the huge blow for Barnes:
"We think he (Barnes) is going to be out for around three months. No surgery required which is good news but his foot is now in a boot. It's an injury underneath his toe. He's now started his recovery and he's got to rest to let it recover then we can build him back up again.
"It's come at a shocking time for Harvey. He was beginning to find his rhythm. With so many games coming up, it's a huge blow to lose any player."
Howe on Wilson, Botman, Burn, Bruno and Isak:
"Callum we're going to see today... a very minor hamstring tightness. We'll give him every chance to be available for the game. Same with Sven - we're going to make a late check on him. Harvey is obviously out and Joe Willock is out, Emil (Krafth) is out. Dan Burn's had some illness but we think he'll be OK."
"I think he (Bruno) did twist his ankle in the game (on Wednesday). I think, initially, it took him some time to run it off but hopefully he's OK."
"He (Isak) is another one we'll make a late check on. That's the cost of the three games we've had in the last week. Usually, it's the third game where these things build up, and that's where we are."
