Hammers injury update
Nayef Aguerd looks unlikely for the game against Arsenal on Thursday according to a Hammers injury update given to Claret and Hugh.
We have been told Aguerd has had bad flu so it will be up to him whether he declares himself fit to play. Maxwel Cornet is also believed to be sick.
It seems that the flu bug running through the squad is receding however although Cornet’s absence will of course make little difference to the team selection.
Aguerd’s passing however is bound to be missed and he is very good when carrying the ball out of defence which would be very useful against a team such as Arsenal.
Mikey Antonio remains our other unfit player although we are told the No 9 is coming close to recovery. However, it is doubtful whether he would be used given an opportunity given the club’s new striking options via Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus.
Arsenal will be without suspended Kai Havertz who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Liverpool. Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf), Fabio Vieira (groin), Thomas Partey (muscle) and Jurrien Timber (knee) all continue to be sidelined.
Hammers likely team: Areola, Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson, Alvarez, Soucek, Paqueta, Ward-Prowse, Kudus, Bowen.