Howe issues Harvey Barnes update, double boost and explains Lewis Hall's lack of minutes
Eddie Howe has revealed that Harvey Barnes is "not currently" close to returning, insisting there's others who could come back before the winger.
When asked for if our summer signing is close to returning to action, he said - "No, not currently. He (Barnes) is not one of the closest players (to returning)."
Speaking to the press after Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Spurs, the boss then discussed Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson's return, discussing their chances of starting on Wednesday;
"Today it would have been easy to say: 'You've got Callum and Sean, put them on the pitch.' But they're not 100% fit so I've got to be very careful with them.
"They [Longstaff and Wilson] will be better for today. That was a good 30 minutes for them but we'll have to take it game by game but it's a difficult one to predict for Wednesday. We need more players back and hopefully that will be the case in the next few weeks.
Howe was then asked about Lewis Hall's lack of minutes, with many fans wondering why he hasn't been given a chance while Kieran Trippier has looked so shattered. Here's what the 46-year-old said, insisting Trippier's attacking threat and Tino's displays at left-back have made it difficult to leave either out:
"I think Tino Livramento has been excellent at left-back. And Kieran’s got his obvious qualities at right-back. That would be the reason. Lewis, when he comes on, has to perform well."
"When he (Trippier) is part of your biggest attacking threat every week, he’s a very difficult one to leave out.
"Even today, Kieran had his moments where he produced some really good crosses, especially in the second half. He’s just an outstanding technician, and we will certainly miss him against Fulham."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rarWY4a-71w&ab_channel=WeAreTottenhamTV
