By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Manor Solomon is heading away with Israel for four Nations League matches in just 11 days, with his 50th senior international appearance potentially coming during the break. He has quickly become an important player for West Ham, which makes the next couple of weeks rather uncomfortable viewing from a selfish Hammers perspective.
The Israel Football Association named Solomon in its squad for matches against Austria on 24 September, the Republic of Ireland on 27 September, Kosovo on 1 October and Ireland again on 4 October. Selection does not mean he will play every minute, but it is a demanding run of fixtures for a player West Ham will want available when the Championship resumes.
Solomon has taken on much of the responsibility left by Crysencio Summerville’s departure. He brings pace, direct running and creativity to the left flank, even if his performances can blow hot and cold. As I saw in the win over Wrexham, when he is at his best, he can make an enormous difference to this attack.
West Ham need a settled partnership on the left
I still think the key to getting the best out of Solomon is finding him a regular left-back partner. Morato has played there, Ollie Scarles is another option and Adama Boiro may yet make the position his own if he can actually get onto the pitch. Whoever Nuno Espírito Santo chooses, the winger needs time to develop an understanding with the player behind him.
That is why I was interested in Boiro’s attacking profile when he arrived. A left-back willing to get forward and offer an overlap could give Solomon more choices than cutting inside every time. It is a partnership West Ham have to work on when the players return.
Solomon faces a whopping four games in 11 days
The selfish West Ham view
I have no objection to Solomon representing his country. International football matters to players, and he could reach a personal milestone on this trip. From West Ham’s point of view, though, I would naturally prefer one of our most important attackers to spend the break resting.
My main hope is simply that he comes back uninjured. His first season at Tottenham was affected by a knee injury, and four international fixtures inevitably mean more football and travel. That is a reason to watch how he gets on, rather than assume something will go wrong.
West Ham signed Solomon to help replace Summerville and win promotion. I hope he enjoys his time with Israel, perhaps collects that 50th cap, and returns ready to build the left-sided partnership that could make him even more effective for Nuno.