Eddie Howe has expressed concern for Christian Atsu, a former winger for Newcastle United and Bournemouth, despite conflicting reports regarding the player’s well-being following the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria.
After earthquakes struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on Monday, it is known that more than 21,000 people died.
Atsu, who spent six months on loan at Bournemouth under Howe in the 2015–16 season before spending five years with Newcastle, was reported missing after the tremors.
Hatayspor vice president Mustafa Ozat’s statement on Tuesday that Atsu had been “removed from the wreckage” gave the impression that there had been good news regarding his condition.
However, the club was unable to confirm Atsu’s whereabouts the next day and stated that there had been no change in his condition.
Before Saturday’s match between the winger’s two former clubs, Howe expressed concern for Atsu and his family, saying: “It’s hugely worrying.”
“I really, really enjoyed working with Christian, a great lad, great player. Our thoughts are with him and his family.
“We hope for some good news, we hope he’s okay, but we’re really concerned for him and his welfare this week.
“It has been difficult because there have been conflicting stories coming out about his whereabouts, so it’s been very tough. I can’t imagine how his family are feeling.
“But from the bottom of our hearts, we wish him well and hope there’s a positive ending.”
