Noble early exit may herald long term absence
Mark Noble will miss the clash against Manchester United at the London Stadium and the captain could find himself on the West Ham sidelines for some time to come.
Noble has been a near ever present this season without over impressing and his early exit from today’s game could represent the start of a long term absence from the side.
He was on the wrong end of a high challenge from Daniel Amartey at Leicester today and although he tried to battle on – probably knowing the fierce battle for midfield places in the team – he was eventually forced to withdraw with Manu Lanzini replacing him.
That left Pedro Obiang to sit the game out but we were told this evening he is likely to return with Kouyate as his central midfield partner for the United game. That will leave Lanzini and Ayew competing for the wide left role.
We were told: “Mark will be out of the United game. He tried to carry on but it was never going to happen and he needs a rest.
“The likelihood is that Pedro and Cheik will form the midfield central partnership. Neither Mark or anyone else is guaranteed a place in the team and young Fernandes is also challenging so there are some interesting times ahead.”