Eddie Howe revealed this morning that Sandro Tonali is still ‘touch and go’ for tomorrow’s game against Fulham after managing the bout of illness that saw him remain an unused substitute on Tuesday night.
However, in an update on three currently absent players, Howe provided a positive update as we head towards another busy run of fixtures between now and next month’s international break.
The boss revealed that Tino Livramento (knee) is ‘back on the grass’ for the first time today, with Lewis Hall (hamstring) also ‘doing well’, back involved and closing in on a return from a hamstring issue, with reporters at today’s presser revealing that the left-back is “very close” to being available again.
“Tino (Livramento) is back on the grass for the first time today, so happy for him.
“Lewis (Hall) is the same, on the grass and doing well, so hopefully he is not too far away.”
There is also positive news to share on Yoane Wissa, who is “on track” and ready to be pushed a “little bit harder” in training after a routine appointment with a specialist on Thursday.
Howe has revealed that the DR Congo striker will put together a ‘six-week’ plan for the 29-year-old – almost a mini pre-season – to help him reach peak fitness levels again, although he is expected back in action within the next fortnight, with November games against Bilbao (5th November) and Brentford (9th November) the reported target.
“He has been to see a specialist yesterday, that was a routine appointment. He is on track, he is doing well, and now we can push him a little bit harder.’
“He will need almost a pre-season, and the pre-season schedule we give to players is six weeks. We do that for a reason, so we can build them up. I’m not saying he won’t play for six weeks, but to get to his very best level, it will probably take that time…’
“Firstly, before we get to that stage, we need to get him fully 100 per cent fit, and then we can really push him.”
It’s been a long wait on Wissa, but the fact he’s progressing well, coupled with the prospect of early returns for Livramento and Hall paints a positive picture heading into upcoming games against Fulham, Spurs, West Ham and Bilbao over the next 10 days.
Add Comment