West Ham January Signing Still Waiting For Big Opportunity

Nuno Espírito Santo has revealed that winger Adama Traoré is unavailable through injury for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park.

Traore, of course, missed the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal last week, so it’s not the biggest shock that he’ll again be absent from what is otherwise close to a fully-fit squad.

And the harsh reality is that even had he been available, Traore probably wasn’t getting much of a look-in from the bench, never mind starting one of the final games of the season.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting he should be starting ahead of Crysencio Summerville or Jarrod Bowen.

But considering how hard Espirito Santo pushed to bring his former favourite over from Fulham in January, I am slightly surprised by the lack of opportunities he’s received.

Nuno Provides Traore Injury Update

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s trip to Tyneside, Nuno said:

“Adama is out for this game. It’s a muscular thing – he wasn’t available for the match against Arsenal, he’s recovering and it’s going to be short for this one.

“The rest of the squad is good, and they are all options. We will decide the team, and we will look to compete well.”

Traore Has Struggled For Opportunities

Traore can probably count himself unfortunate, not just because of injuries but because he has barely had much of a run in the team since his FA Cup display earned him the man of the match award.

The Spanish winger had only just started to find some form and looked a genuine threat following his move from West London, where a lack of game time meant serious fitness work was needed to get him properly up to speed.