Angelo Ogbonna’s absence from the match against Sheffield United is a blow of course but the Hammers remain in decent shape for the game against the Blades.
We understand that Fabian Balbuena will be available for the game to partner the hugely impressive Craig Dawson at central defence.
Issa Diop’s troubled season continues however and he will be assessed under the concussion guidelines after missing games earlier having tested positive for Covid.
Mikey Antonio is fully expected to be available for a game which will see the Irons looking for goals after failing to find the net against either Fulham in last weekend’s Premier League match or the fifth round FA Cup tie against Manchester United.
The Hammers also have Jesse Lingard available for the game and despite the lock out at Craven Cottage and at Old Trafford his partnership with both the No 30 and Said Benrahma looked distinctly promising against Aston Villa.
Our thin squad was just waiting for the injury list to start up . We are all obviously hoping it doesn’t get any worse . I reckon we have just about enough cover with Balbuena available and Diop should be available soon . We have a plus with Dawson also , so it’s not as bad as it first appears . Antonio is crucial for us and hopefully he will be there against The Blades .
Lingard and Benrahma seem to be developing a understanding but they need more time together . We only went out in the cup for fear of injuries to the likes of Benrahma and no Antonio which in my view was sensible when you consider we have almost half the season to go . So it’s chins up and chests out . We won’t get relegated and a top half of the table finish looks reasonably achievable . We are not ready for European competition anyway because we most definitely need a few good signings in the summer . If we do finish 5th or 6th and get into Europe we will struggle in the league unless we fatten up our squad .
COYHAMMERS