By Louis Nixon
**Upon all of the dismal injury news as of late, West Ham were handed a boost through George Earthy returning from his extended spell on the sideline**s
The attacker returned from injury a lot sooner than expected and he is thought to soon be re-joining the first team set up and look to get some Premier League appearances under his belt.
Last night, Earthy played in the U21’s fixture against Swindon in the EFL Trophy, which saw West Ham walk away with a 3-2 victory and Earthy securing a goal and an assist upon his return, proving positive signs for Nuno as it provides him with another midfield option, which could be ever so crucial with the upcoming fixture list.
His Championship campaign last season with Bristol City helped them push into the Top 6, which saw them make the playoffs. But unfortunately, they suffered a heavy defeat to Sheffield in the Semi-Final, ultimately seeing them remain in the Championship.
Earthy’s campaign saw him score only three goals and achieve a sole assist. Still, Bristol City fans were disappointed to see him return to West Ham and personally believed that he had a strong campaign for the side, whilst maybe not totalling a high amount of G/A, his overall game helped them massively, and most thought he’d be a great miss heading into this season.
Earthy has already started to train with the first team once again in his search to be involved within the matchday squad, and considering these past few fixtures, you’d imagine that Nuno would grab any bit of creativity that he could get his hands on.
We haven’t exactly got a like-for-like replacement for Lucas Paqueta, so Earthy’s return now opens a new door of availability, whether that is as a substitute or into the starting squad is unknown.
We could do with another moment like he had on his debut at the London Stadium against Luton Town on just his second ever appearance in a claret and blue shirt. The goal gave Hammers fans a reason to back the team despite quite a poor season under Moyes. Something to connect the fans and the club is what we really need at the moment
In my opinion, he has to be included in the matchday squad as soon as possible. It’s important not to rush him back, seeing as he’s already suffered numerous setbacks before, but his presence is something we’ve been missing repeatedly, and as a super sub, he could be absolutely crucial and offer something we don’t have off the bench at the moment.