West Ham fans will awaiting Mark Noble’s return to action with some agitation as the ‘dead leg’ injury continues to plague him.
And that’s not something we would have been reporting at various stages of the captain’s Hammers career over the last couple of years.
The latest word CandH has from inside the club by text is that the captain will be ready to join the squad against Watford at Vicarage Road in a fortnight’s time.
There’s little doubt that once fit the captain will be right back in the Hammers frame as the holding midfield option alongside Declan Rice.
It seemed a couple of weeks ago that Jack might have nailed the job after a bright pre-season although he may now need an inspired showing at Brighton to hold onto his place.
Mark has been written off more times than enough in recent seasons but his leadership and notably passing ability appears to ensure that he remains very much a live Pellegrini option.
One change is probably likely for this weekend, with the manager putting the emphasis solely on attack, with Arthur Masuaku likely to take over at left back from Aaron Cresswell.
Always seems to be something missing when he’s not on the pitch.
Perhaps it’s because he’s been there for a long time? But I think it goes a lot deeper than that, he’s a great leader who commands the respect of his teammates & what it is to play for West Ham.
Also, the last few games of last season he played some great football.
Hurry back Skipper!!
I was listening to some comments at half time of the match against Citeh on a French channel, and Emmanuel Petit (world cup winner with France and part of the Zidane generation) was saying that it was obvious the team was missing Noble. He said that Noble is the one to galvanise and organise the team.
Flattering comment from another great midfielder !