Official injury update on Wilson, Botman, Isak and Barnes - Good and bad news?
Eddie Howe has issued an injury update ahead of tomorrow's trip to Bournemouth, discussing the latest on Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes.
He's revealed that the club are doing 'various tests' on Wilson and will 'see how he does this morning' before deciding if he's OK to face his former club. Should he miss out, you suspect he'll also withdraw from England duty after yesterday's call-up.
Isak is 'doing well' and remains on course to return after the upcoming international break and Botman is 'progressing well' after getting some 'specialist treatment' on his knee in the Netherlands this week.
A positive update then arrived on Barnes, with Howe confirming that he's running again and won't be 'too far away after the international break', suggesting the winger will return ahead of schedule from a toe injury suffered in our 8-0 win at Sheffield United six weeks ago.
Elsewhere, we have no other injuries but have several other players out, with Bruno suspended and Burn, Targett, Anderson, Tonali, Murphy and Manquillo still missing with injuries. Here's what Howe's had to say on all of the above:
Howe on Wilson, Isak, Botman and Barnes:
"Callum (Wilson) has a tight hamstring. We are doing various tests on him, we will see how he does this morning before making a decision on the game. Other than that, we have no fresh injuries from the other night.
“Gareth [Southgate], England and ourselves will be in constant communication, as we are with all our international players to make sure their welfare is thought about at all times.
"Alex (Isak) is doing well and is working on his fitness levels. We are building up his load and the plan is for him to return after the international break.
"No massive news on Sven (Botman), he is progressing well, he has been away in the Netherlands getting specialist treatment. I think he’s back here today so I will chat with him and see how he is getting on.
"He (Harvey Barnes) just started running. Fingers crossed he’s on the right path. He’s one that wouldn’t be too far away after the international break.
"Have I ever had this many missing? Not to this level. But I don’t want to build it up to be any more than it is. We’re still good enough."
https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1722917381779968099
So, a slight worry for Wilson, Isak on track, Botman's situation still unknown and a big boost to have Barnes edging closer to an early return.
