Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, looking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Brentford.
As ever, the boss was asked for an injury update on a number of players, with Anthony Gordon’s hip a big talking point alongside Will Osula’s niggling ankle issue and Yoane Wissa’s comeback from a knee injury.
Starting with Gordon, Howe doesn’t think it’s serious and is awaiting results of a scan, but admitted there is ‘every chance’ the winger is not fit for this weekend’s game in West London.
Osula was withdrawn from the squad in midweek due to a persisting ankle issue, and Howe revealed today that he’ll now require a few weeks of rest to help him fully recover.
On the subject of recovery, Wissa’s knee is “feeling good”, said Howe, but the DR Congo striker will not feature this weekend as the club insist on building his fitness before throwing him back into the squad.
Tino Livramento will miss out once again, although his gradual return to training means he is on track to make our home clash with Man City in our first game after the international break in two weeks time.
**Howe on Gordon** – _“We don’t think it’s a serious injury. We are going to get him scanned and wait for the results. There is every chance he misses out on Sunday but we will see how he is today.”_
**Howe on Osula** – _“It’s something he’s been feeling for a little bit but it’s been functional. He’s been able to train and play. It was getting to the stage when it was affecting him a little bit more.”_
_“He had a scan and we were awaiting the results, tied in with the game, and the scan told us to pull back a bit, so he’ll have a period of rest. It’s not a serious injury, we expect it to be weeks, not any longer.”_
**Howe on Wissa** – _“He’s working well. He’s on the grass and he’s building his fitness. The knee is feeling good and there’s no problems with that. It’s more a case of looking at his fitness, sharpness, all the things he’s going to need to put together._
_“He’s in a good place to kick on and push his body. We need to give him time to get robust enough and be in a position to give his best for the team. I’m sure he’ll be worth the wait.”_
_“Injuries are part and parcel of football but the only frustration is we haven’t seen him because he wasn’t with us when he picked up. It’s been difficult because the transfer was done with the thinking of helping us in the here and now. But we have to make sure when he’s back he’s ready to hit the ground running.”_