"Nick is fine and Fab was just a little under the weather, hence why he didn't travel."
9 out, Botman fears grow & Tonali latest - Eddie Howe update ahead of Arsenal clash
by Olly Hawkins · 3 November 2023, 10:15
Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press this morning, discussing the latest on the injury/suspension front ahead of tomorrow's clash with Arsenal at St James' Park.
The boss has confirmed that Sandro Tonali is back in training, but admits "a lot of his sessions will be individual or with small numbers", accepting it'll be a huge mental test for him to come through this "difficult" 10-month period a better player.
Matt Targett's hamstring injury "doesn't look good" and there's still no time scale on Sven Botman's return, with Howe refusing to rule out surgery as we continue to assess his concerning knee injury.
On the injury front, Alexander Isak (groin) is on course to return AFTER the international break - meaning he'd miss our next three games - and there's hope Jacob Murphy (dislocated shoulder) won't need surgery after recovering quickly.
Elsewhere, Elliot Anderson (back), Lewis Miley (recovering from glandular fever), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Javier Manquillo (groin) will also miss out this weekend, with Fabian Schar expected to return after he missed out in Manchester due to illness.
Howe on Sandro Tonali:
“Tonali is training. A lot of his sessions will be individual or with small numbers — a real mental test for him to try and come through that period a better player. It’ll be difficult for him for sure.”
Howe on Sven Botman:
“Unfortunately not [an update] with Sven. We’ll have to wait and see over the next few weeks and then hopefully we’ll get some more news but at the moment we’re still waiting to find out. (Howe added "you wouldn't be miles away" when asked if he may require surgery).
Howe on Matt Targett:
"It doesn’t look good. He is having his scan today so we will know more today. When you have a hamstring injury you fear the worst. It is a real blow to lose him - he is a top player."
Howe on Pope and Schar missing out vs Man Utd:
