West Ham have been dealt a major blow ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa with the news that Crysencio Summerville will be missing.
Speaking ahead of the game, manager Nuno Espírito Santo said: “Cry is not available for this game. He’s getting better each day, but for Sunday, he’s not going to be available.”
And in a double blow to Summerville, his injury means that he’s missed out on Ronald Koeman’s Dutch squad, having been in line for his first senior international cap.
Tactical rethink for Nuno
The winger’s absence from the Hammers squad could mean that Nuno continues with the back three so effectively utilised against Manchester City last week. That said, West Ham only managed a solitary shot on target against Pep’s men and may need something else in attack to trouble Villa.
Either way, Nuno will have to cope without star man Summerville, who has been in sensational form.
We need him fit for the games where he really can be unleashed. Pleased he can rest.
I don’t think it’s a bad thing, also saves us £4m in the short term which is what we would have had to pay if he played.
Main thing for the player is that he is protected, if he plays well there is still a chance he will be selected for the National team for the World Cup as a wild card.
As for options, should start with Traore on the left, maybe Taty or he could put Bowen out left, he has stopped scoring from the right so a change of wings might help him rediscover his very best form.
Kante has played right wing for us also and while it’s definitely not his best position it gives us an option, the only thing I don’t want to see is the failed experiment to put KWP on the wing, he is awful in that role.
My opinion is give one of the kids a chance or at least have a extra one on the bench
We must go all out and will need to score goals in this one
We have a good squad of players including the under 21’s to select from, have got to be brave and go for it
I’d say going with the same formation is probably for the best at the weekend anyway. I’d take a point away at Villa, especially on the weekend that the other 2 play each other. A point this weekend and a win in the next league at home to Wolves would almost certainly see us out of the bottom 3. Palace Everton and Brentford after that to try and keep in front. I usually think draws are no good at this stage, but I think a point at the weekend could be a very big one given what is to come in the 4 games afterwards.
No need to rush him back. We do not have another Prem League match after this Sunday until April 10th. So hopefully he’ll be back to being fit and scoring against Wolves.
Probably for best. An extra couple of weeks rest will do him the power of good.