Reports this morning will cast a worrying shadow over Nuno Espirito Santo’s coffee and croissant as the coaching team plan for next Friday’s resumption of hostilities when the Championship campaign returns to life.
West Ham host Queens Park Rangers under the lights in another sell-out London derby, but there is news today of an injury possibility after the latest round of international games. Reported by sportwitness.co.uk:
“West Ham United‘s Manor Solomon remains doubtful for Israel’s UEFA Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday because of back pain.
He has been suffering from a back problem and there’s no explanation on how he suffered this blow.”
Solomon is reported as ‘doubtful’ with a back problem
West Ham will be watching on anxiously hoping that Solomon has nothing serious (but perhaps ‘just enough’ for him to sit out the ‘controversial’ return fixture against the Republic of Ireland and return to West Ham training next week!).
For the Hammers, at least Edvin Austbø offers Nuno a ‘plan B’ from the left hand side if Solomon’s problem persists.
The Israel squad will be announced tomorrow so we’ll keep an eye on the selection to see if Manor Solomon makes the starting line up or the bench.
Playing four games within a hectic international schedule was always something of a minefield for the West Ham players affected, already with eight league games under their belt unlike their less physically stressed PL counterparts.
I’m far from certain that Austbo doesn’t warrant a start anyhow.