By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham have been left without a fit recognised first-team goalkeeper available at Rush Green after Finlay Herrick withdrew from the England Under-20 squad through injury.
The Football Association has confirmed that Herrick will miss England’s forthcoming games in Spain and has been replaced by Arsenal goalkeeper Khari Ranson.
It is a significant concern for Nuno Espírito Santo because Mads Hermansen is currently away with Denmark, while Alphonse Areola has been struggling with a calf injury. It would seem the Hammers are in something of an injury crisis which begs the question… how will go between the sticks at Rush Green?
Who plays in West Ham’s secret friendly?
As Claret & Hugh revealed yesterday, a club source informed us that West Ham intend to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly next week.
Herrick would have appeared the obvious candidate to play in goal once he returned from England duty. His withdrawal now begs an obvious question: who is going to play in goal?
Even Academy goalkeeper Finley Hooper is away after being selected by England Under-19s for four international fixtures.
The friendly is designed to give minutes to players returning from injury and those who have not featured regularly. However, Nuno may now require an emergency solution between the posts unless Areola or Herrick recovers in time.
Areola has been suffering with a muscle injury
Goalkeeping situation far from ideal
It was already far from ideal that somebody as young and inexperienced as Herrick had become the direct backup to Hermansen, although that situation was understandable because of Areola’s injury problems.
The 20-year-old has demonstrated considerable promise and gained valuable senior experience, but West Ham should not have needed to rely so heavily upon him at this stage of his career.
Make no mistake about it: once Hermansen returns, West Ham will potentially be only one injury away from having no fit senior goalkeeper at all.
The club has yet to disclose the nature or severity of Herrick’s injury. Hopefully his withdrawal is precautionary, but until further information arrives, this is a genuine concern rather than a routine international update.
Nuno
Send for Clyde Best, I remember him going in goal when Bobby Ferguson was injured v Leeds.
Wasn’t it because Clyde Best didn’t fancy it that Bobby Moore went in goal in the LC Semi v Stoke in 1972 ….. “It must be 100-1 .. He’s saved it!!” – Gerald Sinstadt ..
I guess it depends how close Areola is to a return? Maybe he and Soucek were reasons for the friendly being arranged?
Can Fabianski not pull on his gloves.
That’s why I reckon he has picked up the coaching gig. Timing is crucial!!
Get Mason Terry back from Port Vale.