WATCH FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GARY O'NEIL'S PRESS CONFERENCE
KEY POINTS
On injuries to Toti Gomes, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Boubacar Traore: “Need to check on Toti and Rayan today in training to see how they go – neither of them has done too much this week. Both have still got a bit to do. Bouba is still out [and] on crutches at the moment. He had a repair to the joint surface in his knee and he will probably be out until about Christmas. “
O’Neil also confirmed that centre-back Yerson Mosquera is available this weekend.
On Goncalo Guedes’ return to the side: “We just made him believe he’s got a chance if he shows something. He shows he’s willing to work and buy in and add quality. He’s had a good start to the season when you consider where he was in the group a year or so ago to where he is now. It has been a really big upturn and he looks like he can be a goal threat.”
However, O’Neil also said that Guedes is not in contention to start after playing 82 minutes against Brighton in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
He is unhappy with the results so far but determined to turn them around: “I absolutely despise losing as everybody does.My job is to make sure the group is always ready for what comes next. I don’t shirk away from any of these challenges.”
He understands the rollercoaster nature of a season: “I’m comfortable that the group understand well enough now that in a Premier League season, there will be some tough moments. We don’t accept them, we’re not stood here saying it is acceptable to lose games because the opposition are good. It’s not acceptable.”
Meanwhile, he dismissed worries of tiredness: “The boys are good. They trained yesterday and didn’t show any signs of fatigue or having not recovered. We’re yet to train today, but I’m sure they will be bright.”
The appeal of a derby game should also inspire his players: “It’s one we enjoyed [last season], especially the home game was a great game [with] two teams going at it. We went away to Aston Villa late last season with a lot of injury issues but we were still able to put up a fight and we go there tomorrow looking to win. I have huge belief in the group that we can go to Aston Villa and win.”