West Ham have taken a cautious approach to releasing full details of Enner Valencia’s injury until his international team medics have had the opportunity of examining the striker.
The national team are involved in a match against Uruagay tonight (k/0 9pm GMT) and the Irons – having fallen foul of Senegal in a similar situation, when Diafra Sakho sustained a back injury, are playing this one by the book.
ClaretandHugh @blogger @ExWHUemployee – who is in the process of setting up his own exciting website project in conjunction with us – tweeted earlier: “The hold up with Valencia’s scan is because when a player is meant to be on international duty they have to assess first before the club.
“The reason the national team assess first is if there is a call-up and they pull out! Man U had a habit of saying players were “injured.”
It’s for reasons like this that the rule was introduced and we obviously had issues with Sakho last year too.”
A West Ham source said: “Once bitten twice shy. There is no question about Enner’s injury”
I can well understand the importance of abiding with formal protocols between the interests
of Country and Club, respectively.
My only concern, is that if Enner does have a serious injury resulting in an unstable ankle joint, then a long air flight to Ecuador can exacerbate any damage already sustained. Common sense, should ultimately prevail in this particular situation- the Ecuadorian medical team should come to London themselves, and work out a plan upon arrival and/or choose an English specialist medical group of their preference, and under directions, allow preliminary treatment to be carried out in London.
While it is important that we do not convey feelings that may lead to the same debacle with Diafra and Senegal, it is also the ethical duty of the Ecuadorian authorities that Enner’s welfare and future is of utmost importance and priority. He must not travel at this time, ‘sayeth’ Dr.Max!
Best wishes and thoughts for Enner’s speedy recovery and return to West Ham.
COYI,
Maxie