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Eddie Howe has issued an update on the fitness of Joe Willock, revealing when the midfielder is likely to return from a long-term Achilles problem.
The boss is hopeful we’ll see the 24-year-old back in action this month, confirming he’s in the final stages of his rehab after missing the last three months of football just weeks after recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him miss our opening nine games of the season.
It’s unclear when he’ll return this month and Howe was reluctant to give promises, but there’s hope he’ll play a part in what promises to be a busy end to February, where we face Bournemouth on Saturday (17th), followed by a trip to Arsenal (24th) and FA Cup clash with Blackburn the following Tuesday (27th).
Speaking to the press about his comeback, Howe said: “Joe hasn’t trained with the group yet but is working really hard with the sports science team. It’s an Achilles tendon injury. His initial injury was a hamstring, and he recovered from that fine. Then he picked up the Achilles injury.
“Anyone who has had those injuries knows how difficult they can be to manage. The medical team have been building him up gradually. It’s a slow process to build him up to the point where the Achilles tendon can withstand the rigours of Premier League football.
“There is no certainty until he’s back that he will be back. So fingers crossed he will. He’s in the last stages of his rehab and he’s working hard and doing well. Will he play in February? I hope so, yes.”
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/02/13/joe-willock-update-eddie-howe-hints-at-return-date-ahead-of-3-games-in-10-days/
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-02-13 09:25:32
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