Big Rice Anfield doubt

By Sean Whetstone

Social media rumours today suggest that West Ham captain Declan Rice has not travelled to Liverpool with the squad today due to sickness.

Claims on Twitter suggest the West Ham defensive midfielder will play no part in today’s game at Anfield.

If proved to be true it will be a massive blow for West Ham manager David Moyes.

The Scot has already confirmed that Aaron Cresswell and Tomas Soucek are doubts while suffering from injuries adding that Mark Noble has also picked up a knock in training and faces a late fitness test.

This could end up as loanee’s Alex Kral big chance to shine as it could be the only natural defensive midfielder available.

We know that Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals can also play in that position if required.

The fragility of a paper-thin squad and not re-enforcing back in January is coming back to haunt David Moyes after losing Vladimir Coufal on top of Angelo Obgonna and Arthur Masuaku – already sidelined.