Kurt Zouma has now officially been ruled out of the game in Lyon tomorrow night as the Hammers go bidding for a place in the semi final.
Claret and Hugh revealed two says ago the extent of the central defender’s problem and that he was highly unlikely to be involved.
Now sadly the club has confirmed the situation stating on the official website: “West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma will miss Thursday’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg tie against Olympique Lyonnais.
The France international defender is to remain in London for further tests and examination on the ankle injury he suffered during Sunday’s Premier League match at Brentford.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Kurt a speedy recovery.”
The news also puts serious doubts over whether the player will be ready for the match against Burnley but we have little doubt that this squad’s amazing spirit will ensure they battle like never before in France and on Sunday.
It also offers a very big opportunity to Issa Diop – returning to his homeland – to play a major part alongside the season-long hero Craig Dawson to show us that he still has absolutely what it takes.
Aaron Cresswell is suspended which suggests Ben Johnson will come in at left back with Vladi Coufal on the right side behind Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.
