Eddie Howe spoke to the media today about the latest injury updates ahead of the upcoming match against West Ham next Monday. Unfortunately, Emil Krafth underwent a collar bone operation and is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks, which is a significant loss for the team during the busy festive period.
On a more positive note, both Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier are close to returning to the squad. Wilson will be evaluated in training today, while Trippier seems to be in better shape and looked sharp during yesterday’s session. Howe emphasized the importance of managing their returns carefully to ensure they can make a positive impact on the team.
Regarding Wilson, Howe mentioned, “We anticipate he’s going to train with the group today. Whether he’s quite there for West Ham, let’s see. But he has to get through the next few days in training first.” It is crucial for Wilson to be fully ready to contribute effectively when he returns to the pitch.
As for Trippier, Howe stated, “He’s slightly closer than Callum [Wilson]. He trained well yesterday and felt good. No ill effects, looked sharp.” Trippier’s progress is promising, and the team is hopeful that he will be back in action soon.
In addition to the injury updates, Howe shared his thoughts on the recent training camp in Saudi Arabia, describing it as a positive experience. The players had the opportunity to work hard in good weather conditions and bond as a team. Despite the intensity of the training sessions, the trip was a valuable experience for the team.
Overall, while the team faces challenges with injuries, there is optimism surrounding the potential return of key players like Wilson and Trippier. Howe and the rest of the coaching staff are working diligently to ensure that the players are managed effectively during their recovery process. The upcoming match against West Ham will be an important test for the team, and having Wilson and Trippier back in the squad would undoubtedly boost their chances of success.
