Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning ahead of our penultimate game of the 2024/25 season away to Arsenal.
As ever, the boss has been asked about our injury situation heading into Sunday’s match at the Emirates, with Sven Botman a particular concern after mixed reports yesterday around his latest knee issue.
Here’s what Howe had to say, also featuring the latest on Kieran Trippier, Joe Willock and Joelinton.
Botman relief
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Starting with the good news, Sven Botman’s knee issue is NOT serious, as we reported last night via The Mail’s Craig Hope.
Howe insists it’s a knock that has left the Dutchman frustrated after such a stop-start season, although the club will ‘give him a chance’ to be fit for Sunday’s game.
“It’s not the case (that it is serious),” Howe insisted. “It was a knock, he got a bang on his knee. We’re not sure about Sven’s availability for the weekend but we’ll give him a chance to be fit. We don’t think it’s a serious injury.
“He’s been unlucky. You’re going to get knocks and bruises in his position and this is a similar thing, he’s been really unlucky on the last two occasions.”
“I think there is that feeling that he is frustrated. I have been there, the majority of the second half of my career. You are getting disappointments, things are coming at you, and there is nothing you can do about them.”
Trippier blow, Willock hope
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Moving on to Trippier and Willock, it seems the full-back is unlikely to make our trip to North London, but the former Arsenal midfielder has a ‘slight chance.’
The pair missed out on last weekend’s 2-0 win over Chelsea with minor muscle injuries, although it was always unclear if they’d play again this season now we’re just over a week away from the campaign ending.
“Kieran I don’t think so but again not a big injury, minor and not serious,” Howe said. “Joe Willock, we will leave the door open, I think there’s a slight chance.”
Joelinton update and signings needed
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On Joelinton’s comeback, Howe revealed that the Brazilian is doing all he can to get back involved again but is ‘not close’ to making Sunday’s game and unlikely to play again this season.
“He is working away behind the scenes. He is typical Joe, foot to the floor to be involved. He is not close,” Howe added.
The biggest possibility is that we don’t see him again this season and we’ll get him ready for next year.”
On end-of-season injuries and the impact of two January outgoings in Almiron and Kelly, the boss admitted our squad is light, offering more reason to strengthen as we approach a huge summer.
“We are light, January played a part in that, losing two players. We have managed to keep the majority fit. I think when you get a run of injuries you can look thin very quickly.”