Nuno Espírito Santo was back in front of the TV cameras less than 48 hours after the heavy loss against Liverpool : The Hammers boss confirmed the injuries situation for the forthcoming London derby against Fulham on Wednesday. He provided good news and bad news on the fitness front:
Striker Pablo is still not training with the squad and evidently won’t be ready in the next few days: Sorely missed by his frontman partner Taty Castellanos, the young hardworking Portuguese forward is still out with his calf muscle injury.
On the positive side – this deep into the Premier League season – there are no other injuries as Nuno summed up the squad situation:
“Pablo won’t be available but everyone else is.” Of course, with the exception of Freddie Potts who is still serving his suspension following his straight red card.
The added bonus of a young squad – almost half the team are twenty three or younger which is a striking transformation from last season and one which has significantly reduced player injuries.
Nuno has a huge call to make over Hermansen or Areola following the Dane’s much criticised game at Anfield
Foremost in Nuno’s mind will be the situation regarding recalling Alphonse Areola over Mads Hermansen who many feel was partly culpable for the set piece sickeners against Liverpool with three goals coming from corners before the half time whistle.
As usual, the question that wasn’t asked at the press conference will be the one concerning most supporters ahead of the London derby which can see the Hammers exit the relegation zone this week: Areola or Hermansen?
Areola is a clown with shocking distribution.
No competition in my view
The last thing Nuno will be worrying about. Hermansen all day long.
Can’t see how Hermansen was responsible for any of Liverpools flukey goals if you ask me.
Fabianski…
I feared Hermansen would be a disappointment against Liverpool the first real test after keeping clean sheets beforehand.
Areola deserves to be recalled against Fulham
For me Areola but he is poor on corners