There’s only a certain amount that can be gleaned from the mid-break images supplied by West Ham’s PR department, showing the happy faces of West Ham squad ‘hard at work’ during the international break.
The rehabilitation of Tomas Soucek, for one thing, is evident as Tornado Tom is shown participating once again, clearly closing in on match fitness which can only be a good thing.
With half a dozen other midfield hopefuls, likely he’ll not force his way straight back into Nuno’s starting line up, but a welcome addition to the leadership of the squad.
And the seemingly ‘invisible’ Alphonse Areola was amongst those pictured in training yesterday, dispelling the ‘rift’ rumours.
Carefully framed Areola image from West Ham’s PR department shows Nuno watching on. Rift? What rift?
The French shot stopper has been absent since pre-season with one of those unidentified ‘knocks’ that gave rise to speculation, particularly with third choice ‘keeper Fin Herrick withdrawing from England duty with a real injury: Notably Herrick also appeared in the photo session, depicted in full flight suggesting all is well in the goal keeping department at least.
Thankfully – Areola’s injury seems behind him and the Hammers currently have a trio of ‘keepers ready to go against Queens Park Rangers next Friday, assuming Mads Hermansen returns from international duty in one piece. As he should do, being second choice for his national side’s opening two games and not donning the gloves until last night’s 4-2 loss against Portugal.
One more week to go…
If it wasn’t for his salary which is circa £110k per week (allegedly) am sure there would be less rumours about him.
If we are honest he isn’t going to be extended on that salary and will probably leave or be sold, Hermansen if we go up will need competition and we will need reserve keepers, I like Herrick he has the mentality to be a top keeper, he makes mistakes and is unaffected by them he also has a big personality as we saw in the cup game penalty competition.
It’s a hard slot to fill, in today’s game you need a keeper that is dominant in the box, good at distribution and comfortable on the ball.
salary was halved with his relegation clause, think it’s now 60k a week. poor boy.
No sign of Alvarez though