By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Mads Hermansen remained an unused substitute as Denmark beat Wales 2-0 on Sunday, meaning the West Ham goalkeeper has yet to play during this international break.
Ordinarily, I might have viewed that as a missed opportunity. However, given West Ham’s increasingly concerning goalkeeper situation, I am more than happy for Hermansen to remain safely on the Denmark bench.
The result and Hermansen’s involvement were confirmed in West Ham’s official international roundup.
Herrick injury changes everything
Realistically, Hermansen cannot expect to be Denmark’s first-choice goalkeeper while playing Championship football.
At the beginning of the international break, I wouldn’t have minded seeing him given a game. Goalkeepers are not subjected to the same fatigue levels as outfield players, and an appearance for his country might have been good for his confidence.
That changed the moment Finlay Herrick was injured and removed from the England Under-20 squad.
As we reported following Herrick’s withdrawal, West Ham suddenly found themselves without a fit recognised first-team goalkeeper available at Rush Green while Hermansen was away.
That makes keeping our number one fit considerably more important.
West Ham cannot afford another goalkeeper injury
We are still waiting for proper clarity regarding Alphonse Areola’s availability.
There have been reports suggesting that the Frenchman is fit, but he has not featured for West Ham. In fact, we have seen more of Areola on social media playing tennis with his family than we have between the sticks for the Hammers.
Until Areola returns to the matchday squad and proves his fitness, West Ham are in no position to take any risks with Hermansen.
Denmark face Portugal on Thursday, but selfishly, I would rather our number one returned to Rush Green now.
Until Areola swaps the tennis court for the West Ham goal, I’ll be quite happy if Hermansen remains firmly attached to Denmark’s bench.