AWB many have to wait for Irons debut
West Ham’s latest signing, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, could miss the club’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Although nothing has been confirmed, rumours from the Hammers’ training ground suggest that the 26-year-old, who recently joined from Manchester United, might be carrying a minor injury that could side-line him for the first EPL fixture.
Naturally, Irons head coach Julen Lopetegui is likely to rely on Vladimir Coufal as the natural replacement at right-back. While some have called the news a “bitter blow,” it’s probably more of a minor inconvenience, as the Czech defender was expected to start West Ham’s first game anyway, given his inclusion in pre-season.
Edson Álvarez will also miss the clash and is expected to sit out the first three games of the campaign. His recovery at Rush Green is reportedly progressing well, but he remains behind his teammates in terms of fitness and preparation.
Set to miss or underneath could miss? Yesterday’s Press Conference hinted a decision had not been made on AWB (and others) yet. With the new bigger squad and potential choices get used to Lopetequi being much more vague about what the team selection is going to be ahead of games. Such vagueness does not mean there are issues or injuries. Just making it more difficult for the opposition to prepare for the game. Also expect much more active use of substitutions. Not being on the pitch at the kick off does not mean players will not have significant time in the game, and being ‘benched’ or ‘dropped’ from the starting line up may not be a comment on performance but just a tactical change.
Ohh no!! We may have to rely on the workman-like Vlad who’s rarely let us down to fill the gaping hole at right back?
If this is the worst of our problems this weekend then I’ll have to find something else to worry abut other than football 😉
Someone remember to pack a good book for Ings to read …