By Conor Hogan
**West Ham fans were concerned on Saturday when midfielder Freddie Potts came off the pitch with a presumed hamstring strain**.
The 22-year-old exited the action after 62 minutes against Burnley with what appeared to be a potential hamstring injury. Tomáš Souček replaced Potts and went on to score in the 77th minute.
Hammers fans were understandably worried when their No. 32 came off injured in only his second start for the first team. In games against Newcastle and the Clarets, Potts has brought balance and energy to a previously depleted midfield.
Thankfully, however, the injury is not thought to be anything serious. According to reports, Potts sustained a dead leg in Saturday’s encounter, which means he should be fit to feature against Bournemouth after the international break.
However, if Potts is still not match-fit for the Irons’ trip to the Vitality Stadium on November 22, manager Nuno Espírito Santo will have a dilemma on his hands — especially given that midfielder Lucas Paquetá will also miss the game through suspension.
Tomáš Souček has impressed in his recent cameo appearances off the bench and would be expected to start against the Cherries, particularly if Potts isn’t deemed fit. But with the additional loss of Paquetá, Soungoutou Magassa could also feature.
The young Frenchman has been limited to a handful of minutes under the new boss but impressed in games against Everton and Leeds. He was also handed a 20-minute cameo on Saturday against Burnley.
Hopefully, Potts will be fit to start after the international break. However, if not, Souček and Magassa should be given the nod to start alongside the impressive Mateus Fernandes in the Irons’ midfield against Bournemouth.