THE WEST HAM press conferences come thick and fast as no sooner had the Hammers departed Manchester than the preparation starts for the trip to the south coast on Sunday. Nuno Espirito Santo duly obliged with the pre-match update on fitness and availability issues – with news on injured Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville.
The Hammers look short on resources without Summerville’s pace going forward, and Jarrod Bowen looks completely cream crackered- so any news of Summerville’s return would be greeted with huge relief all round.
According to the standard.co.uk, Nuno revealed all in the press-only section of the conference:
“Nuno also provided updates on Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Scarles, stating that he hoped to have the pair back in the coming weeks.
“Summerville has been sidelined with a calf strain and has missed the last three games. [Standard Sport] understands he has a slim chance of facing Brighton on Sunday, though a return against Aston Villa is considered more likely….
Close, but maybe not close enough: Nuno suggested Summerville MAY be ready for Brighton on Sunday
“Crysencio hopefully returns soon. [Said Nuno] We miss him. We know what he gives to the team. Let’s see. We need all the players. I hope he can be back,” Nuno continued.”
Which doesn’t sound exactly joyful news: ‘I hope he can be back‘ isn’t the same as ‘yes he’ll be starting”.
No such obfuscation regarded the returning from suspension of Lucas Paquetá, who, one might have thought, could struggle to regain his place after last night’s Old Trafford performances by Fernandes, Magassa and Freddie Potts.
“The West Ham boss said the 28-year-old was ready to return to action ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Amex Stadium.“Yes. He is going to play,” Nuno said in his pre-match press conference.”
Which will be harsh in the extreme for Magassa who will likely give way to the Brazilian who’d better be at his best if he is going to displace last night’s man of the match. Many Hammers fans have had enough of his dramatics of recent games and would welcome his replacement by the new young gun who performed so admirably last night. Perhaps he’ll up his game now that there’s serious competition for his shirt?
You’d hope so. But with Lucas Paquetá, nobody knows for sure which version will take the pitch.
That
The last sentence is exactly why he fits in so well at West Ham !
At least it will be a fit and well rested version of Paqueta that takes the pitch compared to a player who is knackered after Thursday night.
I would think that Paqueta would come in to replace Soucek rather than replace Magassa. Otherwise what kind of message does that send out to the other players and the fans?
Play the midfield three with Paqueta behind Bowen and Wilson
Paqueta will come in for Soucek, not Magassa
Nino can just replace Soucek with Paqueta . I agree with other supporters that he is a liability whilst also a maverick player who can do something out of the box.
Regarding Somerville he’s a good player not great but looks lightweight to me getting injured to easy
The team put in a lot of effort last night. To go again on Sunday afternoon is going to be tough. We are going to need the 11 who played last night plus Paqueta, Kilman, Walker peters, Earthy, Kante to play a part
Why not drop Soucek? Save him as the replacement for Wilson, who is likely not to complete 90 mins after last night.
It would be perverse if Magassa was to be dropped after a performance like that.
The manager makes the decisions but on his head be it. Paquetas excuses have ran out as far as I’m concerned. Particularly in an away match I would much rather see Magassa play.
The only thing I will say is give someone enough rope and they will hang themselves.
Could replace Soucek and play on the left. Leaving the same midfield as against Man Utd
I worry about Summerville – is he robust enough for the Premiership game. He seems to be easilly bustled off the ball even though I love him to bits. Does he need to toughen up?
He’s never been robust, and his attribute is his pace. Given the hammy, a further injury or two always likely as all muscles are affected when another goes. It’s very common, especially after a long lay off. Hopefully, managed correctly he’ll be available consistently over the coming months.
I’m not sure either. Could be another Benrahma on our hands.