Graham Potter could start the season without the youngster.placeholder image
Graham Potter could start the season without the youngster. | Getty Images
The midfielder is set to play a prominent role at West Ham next season having been out on loan last term.
West Ham midfielder George Earthy has picked up an injury in pre-season training, which could see him face a race against time to be fit for the opening match of the Premier League campaign against Sunderland.
The Hammers begin their top flight season with a trip to the Stadium of Light on August 16. There are a series of pre-season friendlies to play before then against Grasshoppers, Manchester United, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Lille.
Graham Potter will take his side on a pre-season tour to the USA but Earthy may not make the trip due to the fresh injury worry. The problem was confirmed by ExWHUEmployee.
West Ham handed injury blow
The insider reported that Earthy had picked up an ankle injury which is set to rule him out for three to four weeks. That almost certainly rules out the chance to pick up minutes in the USA and, therefore, it’s touch and go whether the player will be up to speed to take on the Black Cats.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Bristol City in the Championship, making 40 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals. His absence against Sunderland would be a particular blow given that he faced the North East side twice in the second tier last term, drawing one and winning the other.
West Ham’s second Premier League match is against Chelsea at the London Stadium on August 22. That is well after the three to four week lay off given to Earthy but, given that he will miss almost the whole of pre-season, the midfielder could be playing catch up during the early stages of the campaign.
At just 20 years old and with minimal Premier League experience, the club may likely make the decision to hold Earthy back from facing the Club World Cup winners.
Earthy praised for ‘fantastic’ Hammers breakthrough
The midfielder has made four first team appearances for the Hammers, coming during the 2023/24 season. He scored against Luton Town in a 3-1 win in May 2024.
Earthy, who is set to feature for Potter this year, won the Young Hammer of the Year Award for that season. Speaking about that accolade, coach Steve Potts said: “There have been some top performers across the development squad this year, so it has been a really tough one to pick but I don’t think anyone in the squad would begrudge George getting the award because he has been fantastic for us.
“He gives you a lot of quality, George. He has top football intelligence and that adds another layer to the way the U21s want to and can play with him in the eleven. He gives you assists and goals, but most importantly he works hard, and he is always at the top of our running stats. With all that combined, what he brings to the team is priceless.”
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