CandH Exclusive by Hughie Southon
West Ham are unlikely to know the extent of central defender Kurt Zouma’s injury problem until later today or tomorrow ( Tuesday).
The big fella was scanned with Ben Johnson yesterday but an inconclusive result means he will be having another later today.
Although there has been widespread speculation on social media that he could be out for some time, it is far too early to make dramatic and panicky judgements.
He felt a problem in his knee before being subbed in the match in the 3-2 victory on Saturday whilst Johnson is understood to be suffering a hamstring injury.
Obviously there are fears inside the club given the injury to Angelo Ogbonna but insiders continue to hope for the best.
Johnson is expected to be out of action for two or three weeks as the club suffers it’s first crop of injuries this season ahead of the games against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday and Burnley on Sunday.
Yes it’s a real shame to have the entire first choice back four out of action simultaneously.
Hopefully we’ll see Cresswell return this weekend, Coufal is looking good again, Dawson and Diop are able deputies.
Baptiste can cover as a sub, or jiggle central midfield and drop Rice into CB role if further injuries occur before the aforementioned return ( exclude Ogbonna as he’s long term).
Winners find a way!
‘it’s first crop’? It’s its, not it’s. For the 127th time.
I’d be very surprised if Zouma wasn’t out for a prolonged period. We definitely need either Tarkowski or Ake in on 1 January if we’re to maintain our current level of performance.
I hope we get a defender in January, but meanwhile we must play Dawson Diop and have Baptiste on the bench. Don’t drop Dec back, that is a retrograde step weakening the side in midfield. Trust our players.