Hammers confirm defender injury

West Ham have confirmed that Vladimír Coufal is to miss the Czech Republic’s World Cup qualifying matches against Wales and Belarus.

ClaretandHugh had been told the player has a thigh problem although the official club site is this morning saying that he has a minor groin  injury.

And it appears that the right back had reported for duty and was assessed by the Czech Republic’s medical staff, but has now been withdrawn from their squad and will return to London for rest and treatment under the care of the club.

West Ham United’s Head of Medical, Richard Collinge, said: “Vladimir has a slight groin injury that has caused him some discomfort. Both ourselves and the Czech Republic medical team agreed that it would be beneficial for him to get some rest during this period, and we will manage his recovery carefully with a view to him being available for selection again as soon as possible.”

ClaretandHugh says: Tucked away here is of course a big reason why us fans have lost much interest in international football. The Premier League has become the be all and end all for us. Whilst feeling sorry for Vladi that he will miss in particular a highly important and tricky looking Czech Republic game against Wales there won’t be many who are happy that he is getting a two week rest. However, sadly from our point of view, a tired and leggy looking Tomas Soucek is almost certain to be involved in his nation’s two games over the international break.