
Antonio ready to carry striker burden
Andy Carroll is believed to have survived his return with no ill effects and is expected to be fit for the trip to Bournemouth at the weekend.
AC looked exhausted at the end of 90 minutes and suffered a wound on the bridge of his nose which required stitches but he is understood to be in decent shape for the match on the south coast.
ClaretandHugh understands that Winston Reid – who suffered “extreme cramp” will also be available whilst Aaron Cresswell will also be checked out after a bruising battle with Victor Moses.
Carroll, certainly looked short of match fitness with a source explaining: “Hes only had a few days running in five weeks and he’s not fit. He has not been able to train, but is now in full training and will get better as the matches tick by.”
He will of course be helped by the return of Michail Antonio who is set to help him with the striker burden.