Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning, sharing an update on the injury front as we build up to tomorrow night’s 5.30pm kick-off at home to Man City.
Starting with Anthony Gordon, the boss reveals he is “very close” but remains “touch and go” for Saturday, with a “very late decision” set to be made on his availability as he hopes to return from a hip injury that kept him out at Brentford.
Tino Livramento (knee) is now “very close” after rejoining training over the international break, giving Howe a potentially massive boost at full-back with Lewis Hall also fit again.
Nick Pope, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are all OK and set to be available, with Pope seeing out the concussion protocols.
Yoane Wissa is “close” to resuming full training but this one will come too soon, and Will Osula remains out. The Dane is set to see a specialist on Monday and won’t feature in Tuesday’s trip to Marseille, either.
Howe on Gordon and Pope
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> _“Ant (Gordon) is very close. He has worked very hard over the break. He is touch-and-go for the game, and we will make a decision on him today.”_
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> _“Nick Pope has trained and there’s no problems there.”_
Howe on Livramento’s return
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> _“He is very close. He has trained over the break. It is great to see and have him back.”_
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> _“He’s such an important player for us and it’s great to have him back training with the group. He’s done a lot of work._
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> _“He’s been very, very good professionally with how he’s dealt with the injury and the work he’s done with the physios so I’d say he’s in good shape.”_
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> _“He is an outstanding player, he has the technical qualities, together with Lewis Hall, I am really pleased to have them both potentially available.”_
Howe on Wissa
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> _“Yoane is working well. He’s not back training with us yet but he’s close. He’s working with the sports science team and almost entering a pre-season with them currently._
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> _“He’s done a lot of work, he’s looked good and looked better with every session. He’s close to training with us but before he gets to there it’s difficult to give you a return date.”_
Dan Burn is fit but unable to play tomorrow’s game, missing out through suspending after his red card for two bookable offences at Brentford.