Eddie Howe says that Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin are doubtful for Sunday's clash at Chelsea. The pair both missed the 2-1 win over Southampton last night due to a groin injury and illness respectively.
There was word around the Press room at St Mary's last night from insiders that Joelinton still has a chance to be fit for Sunday's clash with the former Hoffenheim star a spectator on the South Coast. Yet Saint-Maximin was not present.
Explaining the injuries, Howe said: "Joe has been managing a groin problem, and has come off in a couple of games with it. He’s gone down injured with it but has always managed to carry on, but (on Wednesday) I think the pain just got too much for him.
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"We don’t anticipate it will keep him out or too long, but obviously it was enough for this game (at Southampton) and we know with the games to come, we want to protect him. Maxi is ill. We hope that’s not a long-term thing for him, but I don’t know whether he’ll be back for Chelsea yet or not."
As reported last night on Chronicle Live, Bruno Guimarães' problem was merely cramp and he is back in contention to face the Blues. Another concern is Fabian Schar who went off for treatment last night and needed a painkiller during the game.
Howe said: "Fabian’s had a groin issue for quite some time that he’s been managing and has been able to play on with. We hope that he’ll be okay."
