Mark Noble will miss Tuesday evening’s game against Arsenal after suffering a hamstring injury in the victory over Stoke City today.
It’s not a serious ‘hammie’ but is likely to keep the captain out of action out for aa couple of weeks according to club insiders.
But it gives you Declan Rice, who came on as his replacement today, the opportunity of showing the manager he can become a regular part of his midfield plans.
The teenager was excellent during his hour on the pitch and looks booked for the trip to Arsenal for Tuesday evening’s EFL Cup clash.
Penalty-scoring Noble was making his 300th Premier League appearance against Stoke and said: ” “It was a good performance, all in all, and we’ve kept three clean sheets in a week, which is some achievement, especially with the opposition we’ve played against.
“Stoke away is a tough place to come and then we had an hour-long delay. We sat in the changing room all ready to go out, then we had to start our preparations again.
“It was obviously nice to get on the scoresheet in my 300th Premier League game. I had slightly twinged my hamstring against Arsenal. We played three games in a week and really dug in and I think it was a little bit too much for my right hamstring!”
I wonder how seriously Moyes will take the game against Arsenal ? You would think he would play Hart in goal, maybe Byram, Rice, Reid and Cressie, Fernandes and Kouyate, Ayew on the left wing, maybe Antonio or Arnie and any two of Carroll, Hernandez and Sakho up top ?
Or maybe if Lanzini is getting banned for a dive he might play him instead of Antonio/Arnie ?
Even Lanzini gets banned I will be livid tho I don’t agree w that at least there was contact we have seen how many horrible dives in past 2 weeks Selph Sterling Zaha etc. And known of them banned. Niasse the only one & we would miss Lanzini. Especially when playing like that.
We need a creator in Jan. Needed one for a while.
I don’t agree w Lanzinis actiona & glad that wasn’t then winner but when everyone is doing it to u & getting away w it & trying to get out bottom 3.
That’s said I didn’t like Masuaku time wasting in 59m. Was no nees too.
Hope Moyes was just suggesting that in big games & gets them off it
We will miss Noble as he’s been superb on this run we are on…rice is a decent prospect but obviously doesn’t have the experience and quality of Noble..
You have got to be kidding me? Rice is quality already and if you can’t run quick enough as is Noble’s case then your experience counts for little.
Every player is playing as they should since the farce that is Bilic departed. Our best ever squad, we will finish top 10 no doubt.