Considering how bad West Ham’s predicament is just now, it is hard to see how life could be much more challenging for the board or the Manager. Under fire from supporters, the media and nestling in lowly 18th position in the Premier League, “times is hard.” at London Stadium.
The injury of Niclas Fullkrug had the capacity to make life even harder but his inclusion on the bench for the weekends Spurs drubbing is at least light in the gloom.
Consider this: If circumstances had been different, the Hammers could be in a far worse position just now: One West Ham midfield target who didn’t make the move to east London after Kudus moved in the opposite direction was Spurs midfield outcast Yves Bissouma. The £12 million ‘bargain’ was one of several linked and suggested as Guido Rodriguez replacements. Luckily for West Ham – but most unfortunate for the player – a ‘significant’ knee injury has now sidelined him for the next few weeks – at least. Africa Foot’s report claims that “Bissouma will not return from injury until next month.”
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Combined with the ‘serious muscle injury’ which Edson Alvarez sustained on international duty – things could be very much worse if Alvarez had not been dispatched to Fenerbahce on a season-long loan and Bissouma had come in.
At least – without tempting fate – on top of everything else Graham Potter doesn’t have to graft players in to his midfield to cover for a double blow. A bullet dodged, thanks to fate.
The Tomas Soucek suspension would have just about been the final straw: Three midfielders out for three games just now doesn’t bear thinking about.
As it is, perhaps Soucek’s three game suspension could be a blessing in disguise, forcing Potter to start the hugely talented young Frenchman who debuted on Saturday.
Soungoutou Magassa alongside Fernandes looks to be in the infamous Potter ‘magic bullet’ mould. Not quite by design, but West Ham may have stumbled upon a duo to replace the Ward – Prowse and Soucek axis of doom.
Here’s wishing El Machin and the luckless Bissouma well. Fate has been cruel to them but perhaps, kinder to the Hammers just now.