By Cand H’s Allen Cummings
There’s a doubt as to whether or not we will see Manuel Lanzini in action again this season, as we await the results of a scan.
The West Ham medical team will obviously have a big say as far as Manu’s fitness is concerned. But contrary to how I felt a few weeks ago, I’d argue that even if he’s given the all clear for the final three games of the season, given that Leicester has already been ruled out, Manuel Pellegrini should say “we’ll get by without him”.
We all love Manu, and everyone was devastated when we lost him even before the season had started. Most of us weren’t expecting to see him at all this season.
When he came back ahead of schedule for a cameo appearance against Fulham in February the delight around the London Stadium was immense.
The little maestro was a bundle of energy, eager to get on the ball, willing to make those delightful mazey runs and complete those subtle, defence-splitting passes, all the things we had been sadly missing.
Unfortunately, and possibly predictably, since then his contribution and involvement in games has been far more low-key. He has been a peripheral rather than influential figure.
Off the pace and frequently looking out of sync with the rest of his team-mates, has he been worth his place in the side on merit? That’s highly debatable. Are we judging him on what he’s capable of doing rather than what he’s actually able to do right now? Probably.
This isn’t a criticism – it’s merely an observation. An appreciation of just how difficult it is for players, no matter how good they are, to get back to their best following a career-threatening injury. It’s simply not something that can or will happen overnight.
I know it’s a big call, and probably not to everyone’s liking, but I believe Manuel Pellegrini shouldn’t be looking to include Lanzini again this season – even if he could.
Let’s see out the campaign without him. Rule out the possibility of any further setbacks and make sure Manu is fit and raring to go for next season – ready for the manager to build the team around him!
I think you’re spot on, Allen. Personally, I would put Masuaku on the left wing, Nobes and Dec in the centre, Snoddy on the right and play Anderson as the 10 behind Antonio up front. For me, Antonio is a bigger goal threat than Hernandez and Arnie at the moment, then if Nasri or (God forbid) Wilshere returns, put them as the 10 and Anderson back on the left.
Disagree ; he needs more game time to set his mind up for next season . If he doesn’t get more game time then next season would be like a new sighning trying to settle in . It was always a big shout at West Ham that the new players needed time to settle . A few games before the summer break would imo give him that chance . West Ham United and Lanzini need to get off on the right foot from day one next season if we want to avoid another disastrous start that we never truly recovered from ., injuries aside , of course . We are looking promising for the future and any delay to team development could prove yet again counterproductive . Naturally we all have our opinions and of course they should be respected but I feel you are wrong with this one , Allen .
Sorry Kevin, but I can’t agree. More game time now will have no baring on next season. He needs rest now – and a full pre-season with the rest of the team. Then we’ll see the best of Manu.
I fully agree , Lanzini has looked like he needed a rest for a few games . Give him a break and hopefully he will come back after a good preseason in August .
As a runner i can tell you now if its a pulled groin muscle or similar he will not play any of the last 4 games unfortunately.