Ben Johnson used on the left side of midfield with Arthur missing
West Ham are hopeful that Arthur Masuaku will be back in the squad following the international break!
And ClaretandHugh understands that both Angelo Ogbonna and Andriy Yarmolenko won’t be far behind him.
Moyes has been forced to use young right back Ben Johnson in his problem position on the left side of midfield over recent games – a big call for one so young in Premier League experience.
However, we understand that Arthur is now closing in on his return to action and that Oggy and Yarmo are probably a couple of weeks behind him.
Masuaku has been missing since the 3-1 defeat by Manchester United at the London Stadium on December 5 when a maximum of four months weeks was put on his return.
And we understand he is on target and could be available for for the game against Wolves at Molineux on April 3 or against Leicester City at the London Stadium on the 10th.
Masuaku is reported to be making good progress with the manager claiming he is getting much closer to match fitness.
He said recently: “Arthur’s getting much closer to match fitness and all-round fitness generally.”
It will be good to see the guy back and available to bring much more balance to the middle of the park which has been lacking an experienced left sided player since Felipe Anderson’s crash of form saw him depart to Porto on loan.
Johnson was switched from the left to right last night just before the break and looking totally confused as to what was required of him before being subbed.
Sorry. That is harsh. Johnson was doing an average job. He was switched because ManU was running roughshod over us on the right. Bowen has become a unidirectional player.
Or perhaps it was because Moyes wanted Johnson near in order to coach? Regardless, we didn’t lose because of him.
Two major things troubled me against Man U. Nobes is not up to 90 mins and not in the engine room. He was off pace, bypassed and got in the way frankly. Second, Johnson was badly misused, and he is suffering now for being versatile and willing. Played at right back, switched to left attacker, then hooked. He did look bewildered – he is 21 and now fans say he’s not good enough. I say its his treatment that’s not good enough!