West Ham have received another timely boost ahead of Sunday’s [Premier League](https://www.claretandhugh.info/premier-league-bio/) clash with Liverpool, as Hugo Ekitike is now a fitness doubt for the visitors.
The French forward was forced off during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven with a back problem, manager Arne Slot confirmed after the game.
Ekitike was substituted in the 61st minute at Anfield after struggling to move freely, with Slot admitting he had concerns early in the second half.
“Especially at the start of the second half, I constantly felt, ‘What’s wrong with Hugo?’” Slot said. “It seemed like he couldn’t move the same as in the first half, and that affected our pressing. He told me that within the first 10 minutes he already felt his back too much, so that’s why he had to come off.”
Ekitike’s potential absence would be a setback for Liverpool, who are already juggling injuries ahead of their trip to the [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/london-stadium-bio/) — but a very welcome development for Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham side.
Perfect Timing for Nuno’s Hammers?
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The Hammers have a habit of catching teams at the wrong time, but on this occasion Sunday’s fixture could not be better timed for Nuno.
West Ham often play the badge rather than the team in front of them, and right now Liverpool look like a wounded animal.
With Slot’s job on the line, calls for Mo Salah to be dropped, a mini injury crisis and a defence that is far from functioning, Liverpool are there to be beaten.
For once, the stars might just be aligning for West Ham.