Moyes explains Johnson absence

David Moyes has explained that Ben Johnson picked up an injury on international duty, hence his absence from the clash with Everton on Sunday.

The Hammers defender had been in excellent form for the Irons before the break, playing against Newcastle, Wolves, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Spurs.

It was perhaps a surprise when Ryan Fredericks was named as the starting right-back on Sunday, then, but he played exceptionally well, denying Richarlison when he went clean through on goal and rounded the ‘keeper.

And Moyes has now revealed that Johnson sustained a hamstring injury while playing for England’s U21s and felt it again in training, meaning he was not deemed fit enough to play in the 2-1 win.

Speaking after the game, the Irons boss said, as per Football.London: “He felt his hamstring playing for England on Wednesday night. He trained Friday and Saturday but felt it again Saturday. We don’t think it’s bad but it was a decision today. I’m hoping he’ll be ok.”

Johnson will hope to be back in action in midweek when the Hammers take on Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.