By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham winger Manor Solomon has been dropped to the bench for Israel’s game against the Republic of Ireland tonight.
The decision follows an uncomfortable few days for the £5million Hammer, who has already played an incredible 253 minutes across three matches in eight days.
Solomon completed 73 minutes against Austria before playing the full 90 in both the 3-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland and the goalless draw with Kosovo.
Following the Kosovo game, Solomon admitted that the schedule had taken its toll:
“I’m tired. It’s not easy to play three games every few days. Players here are carrying injuries and pains – many things people don’t see.”
West Ham source confirms Solomon pain
Earlier this evening, Claret & Hugh asked a club insider how the winger was feeling following such a hectic schedule of international football.
We were told: “He’s in a lot of pain.”
Solomon has reportedly been struggling with back spasms over the last couple of days, so his omission from the starting line-up against Ireland is no surprise.
From a West Ham perspective, it is good to see him on the bench and, obviously, I hope he does not get on the pitch at all. He is clearly struggling with his fitness and there is nothing to be gained from pushing him through another international fixture.
West Ham face Queens Park Rangers on Friday, so this should at least give Solomon a decent opportunity to rest and recover before returning to Rush Green.
Dropped? Maybe kept on the bench due to injury