It’s good news for Jarrod Bowen who has a chance of playing at Turf Moor on Saturday according to manager David Moyes who broke the news during his pre-match presser this afternoon. And he revealed that Michail Antonio is only expected to be out of action for about two weeks. It was all good news as we prepare to play bottom of the table Burnley with the manager giving a hugely and unexpected update on the pair. And although it hadn’t been mentioned previously he explained that Nayef Aguerd was expected to be fit as well after taking a knock whilst away with his country
It’s good news for Jarrod Bowen
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the boss revealed that Michail’s knee ligament issue wasn’t a major problem and will only keep him on the side lines for a couple of weeks and that Bowen, meanwhile, will be subject to a late fitness test ahead of the trip to Turf Moor.
He told the assembled media: “We hope Jarrod will be available [for Burnley] but that will be a decision we make on Saturday. Michail has got a small injury. It’s not a serious injury. It’s probably going to keep him out for a couple of weeks. I don’t think it’s a serious one though. I think about two or three weeks, give or take.
“It is a bit like a doctor’s surgery at the moment. It’s been difficult for a lot of the international boys because they’ve had late returns. But we think Nayef Aguerd will be okay too.”
Despite a handful of his Hammers coming back from the international fixtures with knocks, Moyes would still prefer for his squad to be selected to play for their respective countries as reward for their fine form with West Ham.
He said: “Injuries are absolutely your worst fear as a manager, coming out of an international break. We’ve had a great record when it comes to injuries at this Club this season. We’ve had almost a full squad in every game and now we’ve got players injured from international duty, and that’s a blow for us.
“If it’s on our watch and it happens in training or in our games, then it’s part and parcel. But when they’re away with the international team then it’s more galling when players come back injured.
“That being said, I want to have international players because that tells me I’ve got one of the best players from whatever country it is. I want my players to be playing for their countries. I’d like more, if possible, to be selected. The downside of that is that they may come back with injuries.”