Eddie Howe has got good news about two bruised bodies from the battle with Liverpool. One of the midfielders might play against Leeds United, but the boss said, "we need him 100% fit if he does."
‘We did fear we would lose them for longer’
The squad picked up many battle scars against **Liverpool**on Monday. **Joelinton**pulled up with a groin injury after a scuffle from a throw-in and had to limp off the field. There were fears of a long-term injury, but the best case scenario could see him feature for the club within the next few weeks.
“Relatively good news on both players. I think when they left the pitch sort of feared they might be out long term because it didn't look good um for either but the Joelinton scan was relatively good. He will miss this weekend but there's a chance he’s available the other side of the international break.”
Sandro Tonali had to depart the field after a tussle with Hugo Ekitiké ended with a sore shoulder.
“Similar with Sandro really. His injury isn't serious. He's battling to try and be fit. Whether he makes it or not, I'm not sure. But really positive signs because we did fear we would lose them for longer.”
Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey replaced the pair in the middle of the park. Howe has options, and he will not take a chance on the Italian if he does not feel that he is sufficiently fit to play this game.
“There was no dislocation thankfully because that would have been a much longer term injury. He's just dealing with pain. If he can deal with his pain, he could play. But he's still sore. The movement in his arm is reduced. He wants to give it every chance to play. But we need him 100% fit if he does.”
Fabian Schar suffered a head-to-head collision. Protocols would suggest he might have missed this trip to Elland Road, but the manager confirmed that, in fact, the central defender will be available.
“Fabian is available. We followed Premier League protocols regarding concussion with the uh with the doctor and he should be fit and fine to play.”
‘Anything is possible for Will’
**Sven Botman**must wait for his moment. Knee injuries have plagued him for two years, and a setback at the end of preseason knocked him off rhythm. He has the international break to get back on track.
“Sven missed a part of preseason which was an important part because it was coming to the tail. He wants to play but I'd say every defender at the club wants to play. If you're not in the eleven, there's a tinge of sadness and disappointment, but I think those players at the moment are using that to their advantage really. Sven needs to just finish off the last part really of his sharpness that he's missed.”
Lewis Hall had been out of action after surgery for a bone in his foot. A fellow Cobham graduate, Tino Livramento, has filled in for him as the left back while he gets closer to achieving full fitness.
“Same situation with Lewis Hall who's missed a lot through injury. He was beginning to get back to his very best physical level. So this opening period of the season where you have we've had one game a week really, three-week period and then an international break is the last top up for those players.”
Alexander Isak is still out of the picture, and Anthony Gordon is suspended after receiving a red card against Liverpool. Is this the time for Will Osula to start after his equaliser against the Reds?
“Anything is possible for Will. I wouldn't want to put restrictions on how he's viewed. We will view and judge him every day. He's made great strides in a year. His game's in a much better place.”
The most conventional striker left in the squad, he has qualities that are maturing week by week.
“He's got ability and he's got a talent and he does score goals. He scores regularly in training. He's quick and he's strong so he's got all the attributes. There will be a time he has to play regularly.
“He has improved a lot from this time last year when we first signed him. He's gained experience and um certainly the knowledge of how we play and what we ask our center forwards to do isn't easy. It's not an easy position to play, but he's gaining confidence. That goal will do him the world of good.”