Antonio Martínez continues to the train with West Ham Under 23’s this week as they prepare to take on Chelsea’s Premier League 2 side at Aldershot FC this Sunday.
Media speculation earlier this week suggested he could be included in the first team squad to face Brighton but we have learned this is unlikely to be the case.
Martinez appeared to drop a hint on social media about his current form and his feelings towards a possible West Ham first team chance. The 20-year-old Spanish striker has scored 23 goals in 26 games for the Hammers U23s since he joined the club from Valencia last summer.C
Claret and Hugh sources close to the West Ham Academy say Martínez is very much in their plans to face Chelsea this weekend and they are not aware of any late call-up for the first team this Friday evening.
Sakho is injured according to Bilic, a back injury, seems highly suspicious that he should have been guaranteed a start and is no longer fit but there you go, I am not so optimistic about the game now because I don’t think Hernandez is a lone striker and am not convinced by Ayew or Antonio as CF’s or no 10’s either so will be curious to see how Bilic plays it, there is talk of Arnautovic being played in the role which would be an unusual move but maybe Masuaku could then start left wing, not having Martinez even on the bench seems a little short sighted but Bilic must feel he is a million miles away from being ready, his judgement has generally been decent on that front so will just have to trust he is right again.
No 32 not sure I agree. Nothing has worked this season for us so far and Martinez has consistently performed for us at youth level.
Rooney and Owen were the same age so I say give the lad a spot on the bench. What harm can it do? He’s an unknown quantity to Brighton and there’s nothing wrong with having a bit of raw energy on the pitch.
I think Bilic is a good guy but I have to question his decision making sometimes and his ability to judge the ability of a player. Antonio and Obiang spring to mind.