Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues an injury update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital…

Hello everybody,

We had a very demanding game, both physically and mentally, against Chelsea on Monday night, when we unfortunately did not get the result we had hoped for.

Now, we recover and prepare for the next Premier League test at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

We picked up the normal bumps and bruises during the game on Monday, with Winston Reid coming off with a leg injury in the second half. Winston has joined a recovery training today and we will work hard to prepare him for Saturday.

As you will have seen, Andy Carroll suffered a cut to his face in an aerial challenge with Victor Moses. After treatment on the touchline, he was able to return to the action with no lasting ill-effects.

Michail Antonio is also fit and training and will be available to Slaven after his one-match suspension.

We saw three first-team players get some important game-time and match rhythm at London Stadium on Tuesday, when Arthur Masuaku, Ashley Fletcher and Edimilson Fernandes played in the Premier League 2 game with Swansea City.

All three came through well and Edi scored a goal, which will be good for his confidence.

Unfortunately, Domingos Quina came off before half-time with an ankle injury suffered in a challenge and he will be assessed further on Thursday.

We have good news regarding Diafra Sakho and Angelo Ogbonna.

Diafra has returned from a visit to the specialist in France, where they were happy with the progression of his rehab after his surgery and he will now step up his work with the rehab fitness coach, with a view to being reintroduced to full training in April.

Angelo is continuing his rehab following his knee surgery and is progressing well.

Finally, we wish Gokhan Tore, who has had a difficult season, all the best as he continues his rehab, after suffering a knee injury, with his parent club Besiktas.

Stijn Vandenbroucke

Head of Medical and Sports Science