Eddie Howe has issued an update on the injury/suspension front ahead of today’s 5.30pm kick-off at Wolves.
The boss stated on Friday that Sandro Tonali had a “high chance” of featuring, as FIFA had not issued the official paperwork for his 10-month ban. However, it emerged late on Friday night that those documents have now been sent over, meaning his season is over and he’ll play no part at Molineux.
Sven Botman is ‘back on the grass’ but not training with his teammates yet, meaning he’ll miss out alongside Alexander Isak (groin), Jacob Murphy (dislocated shoulder), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Elliot Anderson; who is set to miss EIGHT weeks with a stress fracture in his back.
In better news, Howe described Joe Willock’s return as a “huge” boost, with the midfielder in contention to make his first start in over five months.
Elsewhere, Lewis Miley will be missing until after the international break as he’s still recovering from glandular fever. Here’s what Howe’s had to say on all of the above:
Howe on Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy – “Alex has got a groin injury, which we don’t think is serious. It is a reoccurrence of the one he suffered for Sweden. Jacob is going to see a specialist today for his shoulder, we’ll know more on him later today.”
“We are a bit light in attacking areas. We have a deeper squad this season, but if you get injuries in certain areas, then suddenly you can look a bit stretched.â€
Howe on Elliot Anderson – “The day after the Palace game he just woke up with a sore back. It didn’t really go away, so we’ve had scans and tests, and it looks like it’s going to be eight weeks.
“Elliot’s hugely frustrated, and we’re hugely frustrated too because it was a big moment for him in his career. This was sort of his breakthrough season, in a sense, to try to get more starts, and he was doing that. He was well on his way to establishing himself as a really important first-team player.
“It’s hugely disappointing for him and for us because his versatility was also important. He could play lots of different roles, but we just have to accept the situation and try to get him back to his best.”
Howe on Joe Willock – “Huge for us, it has been a long time. Joe is an infectious character, very popular around the training ground.
“He has the goalscoring and running capabilities that suit our style. It’s early days but hopefully he can get that match sharpness back.”
Injuries and a lack of real squad depth are a major concern.
But the real bug in the ointment is FFP which does not allow us to compete at the level we have attained, the bird has flown for ManCity, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham who have gained a massive advantage in terms of sponsorship and multiple years of spending and European income to bolster their coffers.
Yes we were unfortunate to have fat Mike at the helm but FFP is stifling our growth and the chickens are coming home to roost because of this.
Joseph(Quote)