West Ham travel to Leeds United next.placeholder image
West Ham travel to Leeds United next. | Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed an injury blow after West Ham were defeated 2-0 by Brentford.
West Ham woes continue in the Premier League this season with a fresh injury picked up in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford at the London Stadium on Monday night.
Nuno Espirito Santo was looking for his first win as Hammers manager in his debut at the home ground but his team put up little fight as their London rivals cruised to victory by a scoreline that could have been much worse.
After conceding an onslaught of chances in the first half, Nuno wrung in the changes at the break. Konstantinos Mavropanos, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf were all brought on for the second half.
West Ham handed injury blow
The substitutions were no surprise given how Nuno had reacted to his team’s defending in the first half, yet they brought little respite as Brentford continued to dominate the clash. Speaking about the changes after full-time, the West Ham boss said: "To try and solve the fragility we were having before VAR took a goal out from Brentford. The concern was there so let's try and close down and stay in the game. That was our main intention."
Nuno is clearly not convinced by his defensive options and he will make the trip to Leeds United on Friday with one option fewer after Mavropanos limped off in the second half, despite only coming on at the break. The centre-back was picked up by a cart, unable to walk the perimeter of the pitch and down the tunnel.
Leeds United and Newcastle United up next for the Hammers
The Hammers boss wasn’t able to give a clear timeframe on the problem but confirmed that he would be out against Leeds United. West Ham then face Newcastle United on November 2, which is an early possible return date for Mavropanos, but that also remains a doubt until more information is released.
When asked about the defender, Nuno said: “Probably for the next one he is not going to be available. Hopefully for November 2nd. Let’s see.”
An out-of-sorts West Ham defender without another first team option will entice Leeds United, who look to bounce back from their own 2-0 defeat against Burnley when facing the London outfit at Elland Road.
For West Ham, preparations will start immediately on Tuesday with Nuno aware of the big task ahead of him. When asked when he will start working towards Leeds United, he said: "Tomorrow. Realising that every day is important to improve this situation it has to start tomorrow. Responsibilities, commitment, hard work and a little bit more conscious effort. We need it."
In other news, West Ham Boycott: Nuno addresses 'anxiety' caused by protest in Brentford defeat.
Continue Reading