Ahead of West Ham’s London derby with Arsenal Julen Lopetegui revealed he had three big doubts for the game.
With the manager himself and star player Mohammed Kudus banned for the visit of Arsenal, that was the last thing West Ham fans wanted to hear.
Especially as the Hammers look to try and build some vital momentum off the back of the shock win at Newcastle on Monday night.
After a performance and result like that, West Ham’s team would usually pick itself.
Even if Arsenal present a completely different level of challenge to the Magpies.
But there has been some bad news ahead of the Arsenal clash, Hammers News understands.
After announcing himself on the Premier League stage with a fantastic performance, we can reveal Spanish midfielder Carlos Soler is one of the doubts.
Soler had not trained properly until Friday as a result of a very sore foot.
Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United challenges Carlos Soler of West Ham United for possession during the Premier League match between Newcastle Uni...
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Two major West Ham doubts for Arsenal
The PSG loan star had struggled during cameo appearances so far for West Ham.
But he was arguably man of the match with a classy and intelligent performance, running the midfield alongside Lucas Paqueta and Tomas Soucek.
Soler kicked the studs of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes which left him in a lot of pain at the time.
It has been sore this week but Soler did some training on Friday.
He was also joined by another of West Ham’s big doubts for the Arsenal game – Jean-Clair Todibo.
The French defender had to come off at Newcastle with a stomach issue.
He too missed training until Friday.
Now the two major West Ham doubts force Lopetegui to make big calls for Arsenal.
First there is good news on the club’s £32m defender.
Last night West Ham dropped a huge hint Todibo will play against the Gunners.
The Hammers’ media team posted a picture of Todibo training, saying: “Ready for Arsenal.”
Soler is less cut and dried.
He returned to training but Lopetegui must decide whether to risk him or not.
Edson Alvarez is available again after suspension. But many fans feel neither he or Guido Rodriguez offer enough to the team and are too slow and immobile to be effective Premier League central midfielders.
Julen Lopetegui, Manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Cr...
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Lopetegui forced to make big calls for Gunners
It will be hugely frustrating if Soler can’t make it after such an excellent performance on Monday night.
Lopetegui is said to be making a late call on Soler.
He may have one eye on the quick turnaround for the Leicester game on Tuesday night, which is clearly a more winnable fixture.
Lopetegui claims he approaches every game looking to win, though.
So given Soler has trained, he may be willing to take a chance.
If not then expect Rodriguez to come back into the starting XI.
Historically Arsenal massively have the upper hand in this fixture.
The Gunners have won 73 of the 151 matches between the two sides to West Ham’s 37.
There have been 41 draws.
The game kicks off live on Sky Sports at 5.30pm.
Official teams will be announced at 4.15pm.
Predicted West Ham starting XI to face Arsenal:
Fabianski, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Soucek, Paqueta, Soler, Summerville, Bowen, Antonio.
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