Mark Noble will be monitored carefully by the club medics after a scan today dhowed a twisted ankle which could keep him out of action for three or four weeks.
However, there remain hopes that he could recover sufficiently during the international break for him to take his place on the bench for the game against Spurs on November 23.
However, it’s a slim option according to our sources within the club and it of course means that we are going to be without both the captain and Manu Lanzini from the starting line up for the London derby against the old enemy.
ClaretandHugh was told by e mail from a senior source: “He could be out for several weeks with an outside chance he could make it onto the bench for the game against Spurs.”
The Hammers have big problems should be be unavailable with Carlos Sanchez the likely replacement unless the manager looks to the under 23s.
Pellegrini has options and could add Nathan Holland to options which are set to include Rice, Sanchez, Snodgrass, Yarmolenko, Fornals, Wilshere and Antonio – due back but likely to fill the forward role.
This is the perfect opportunity to play Fornals in a central role, he is not a winger! I’ve wanted to see him next to Rice for a while, he is technically sound, more mobile than Noble and definitely can’t be worse than Sanchez! Holland should get a run against the spuds too, it would be great to see something different on the left, with Anderson having a free reign and Yarmo/Antonio on the right – i could see them getting closer to Haller and offering support.