Graham Potter’s life has just got slightly more difficult following the official announcement that Aaron Wan-Bissaka will represent the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Hammers right-back has missed the last two matches with a minor injury but has been deemed fit enough to join up with the Leopards for two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His decision means Wan-Bissaka will also be expected to take part in the African Cup of Nations in January—leaving Potter without two of his full-backs.
Wan Bissaka will not play for West Ham during the busy Christmas period
New signing El Hadji Malick Diouf is also set to feature at AFCON with Senegal, creating a real headache for the West Ham boss.
Kyle Walker-Peters can cover both full-back positions, although clearly not both at the same time. This may push Potter into giving youngster Ollie Scarles more game time before the turn of the year, ensuring the academy graduate is ready to step in at left-back when required.
The looming AFCON tournament could well explain why Scarles was not sent out on loan like fellow graduate Lewis Orford.
It is believed Wan-Bissaka delayed his international decision for as long as possible but, having been cleared to travel by West Ham’s medical team, he is now set to join his countrymen.
Get Luis Guilherme wired up like Malcolm McDowell and blast him with footage of Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Carlos Alberto and he’ll be able to slot into those positions.
But (injuries permitting) Scales on the left and KWP on the right should be fine to cover each position… just hoping we’re around the mid-table area at that point in the season.
You can have all the foresight in the world but nothing can explain what has happened to Wan-Basaka’s form he was a shadow of last season in the pre-season games as well. Still got one great season for 15 million so good value in todays market.
This is whu fore sight_nil as usual.
Mentioned in some comments that injuries and Afcon should be taken into account when signing players.
Situation which could affect not signing backup striker.
When will they learn?
well this was always going to be the case. This time someone had thought about it and got the cover in place. Yes Olly needs more game time before it happens but he will know it will be his chance to show what he can do and should make him enthusiastic about it when the time comes.