Injured Atsu sits out of Chelsea, Bournemouth clash

“Jordan is a young goalkeeper we really like and really believe in”. I am sure they will pick up points and climb.

“Every player wants to play and start but managing those players that you do not pick is incredibly hard whether you are at Chelsea or at Bournemouth I think the principles are the same”. While it would have been frustrating to concede three goals at home to add to their porous defensive record, it was a fine show of character which will stand them in good stead for this tough trip, and their open attacking style will surely give the hosts plenty to think about over the 90 minutes.

Bournemouth started well against Chelsea but had to withstand heavy pressure from Jose Mourinho’s side before getting their late victor, and Howe was rightly proud of his players after they picked up just their second clean sheet of the season. “We fully respect them as a team and we are going to have to be at our very best to get anything”.

Howe said: “Whenever you get injuries, it is a test and a challenge for your squad to adapt and I think we have done that with the outfield positions. So far we’ve done that as a squad”.

“Certain people have been given opportunities that maybe would not have expected to get them, but they have grasped them in recent weeks”.

Last season’s Championship title winners travel to face the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s 5.30pm kickoff.

Howe said: “I think he is always fired-up”. He has had good experiences with his national team and we have called him back to be involved. “So as usual, preparing for this game is all about us”. Winger Marc Pugh (Achilles) has started running again but remains short of match fitness. Harry Arter is definitely out with a hamstring problem.