West Ham have four injured players and three more with fitness doubts which could leave manager David Moyes with a squad of just fifteen players for the match against Sheffield United on Monday.
Long term absentee Arthur Masuaku has only just returned to the gym after his knee surgery and is a few weeks away from his return to training on grass.
Darren Randolph has been out for a number of weeks after picking up what the manager described as a knock in training.
Andriy Yarmolenko undergoes a scan today after suffering from knee ligament issues with Moyes saying “[He ]ppened up his knee ligaments a little bit so we will assess [him[ tomorrow and hopefully [he] won’t be too bad.”
Angelo Ogbonna was another casualty from last night with his ankle with the manager saying “he has an ankle injury. We will assess [him] tomorrow and hopefully [he] won’t be too bad.”
Fabian Balbuena is also a doubt after feeling something in the warm-up as he prepared to come on for Issa Diop with Moyes saying “One of our centre-backs was on the bench and felt his calf in the warm-up.”
Issa Diop suffered a large bump to his head after a clash of heads with Antony Martial and doctors advised the manager to avoid risk from concussion by substituting him.
Michail Antonio was missing last night with tight hamstrings and fatigue but he is expected to be okay for the game.
It means that the bench may have to be filled up by Academy players.
Not that it’s good to hear of injured players, but the experience the lads will get will be good for them, especially 8f a couple can have a runout.
Fabinaski
Fredricks–Coufal–Dawson–Cresswell–Johnson
Soucrk—Rice
Bowen–Lingard–Benrahama
With Fornals, Noble Lanzini adding
Trott, Alves Baptiste Coventry, Holland Odubeko
Sheffield Utd, is just the match for that team to see what they can do (possibly Fornals for Bowen)
It was coming usually have many more Injuries. Last time Moyes was here at bench of all kids 12 for senior players. With amount of games matter of time but was I hate it was enjoying are unusual good luck of not many long term injuries.
Huge blow especially Ogbonna to lose him for that Dross of a game though Johnson stepped up again. Shame about Balbuena bc talks of selling in Jan I’d give 2 year deal low wage & great 3rd choice CB.
Not upset about losing Yarmolenko at all he needs to go this summer been if free to get his wages ff is highest earner. I was never big on signing BC age wages & injuries. Had a few good Moneys but was never going to be our CF in PL & gets found out when plays more then 3 games anyway.
Diop did well beside Dawon who was really encouraging him. Love to see that. You know Rice & Souček are tired.
Dyche said he likes a tight squad & it has hurt him with fixture & Injuries. Moyes does too & I respect that but need cover.
See how Lingaard does as false nine & hopefully Dawson can hold down defence.
* I wouldn’t be against Niasse on free for 5mo with option tbh he wasnt at Everton under Sam I Think 8 goals & 3 assists in 22 he has pace & height suit our style probably
Might not smash 15 goals but stretch defecne & ship I. Some.
Must play back 3/5 to include fit w/backs who have done well. Hope Dec and Tomas are OK but they are tired. Three forward players nice and quick, but we must build and keep the ball – not rush it into the channels. Be nice to see Alves, Holland and Mipo on the bench.
The crazy decision of not signing a forward in January is now coming home to roost!!