Nuno Espirito Santo has a potential fitness concern to deal with as West Ham take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
The West Ham United manager will already be without Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf as they will be competing in the Africa Cup of Nations.
After the recent 3-2 loss against Aston Villa, Nuno will be hoping for a spirited response against Pep Guardiola’s side.
What does Nuno need to do to FIX West Ham’s defence?
More points lost…
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the manager of West Ham, looks on prior to kick-off during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at the London Stadium in Stratford, United Kingdom, on November 30, 2025.
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Ollie Scarles may be a fitness concern against Manchester City
Ollie Scarles returned to the bench against Aston Villa after being ruled out for weeks with a broken collarbone.
Nuno did not bring him on in the second half as Diouf was entrusted to play the full 90 minutes.
Scarles has made just two appearances in the Premier League this term as he has been the second-choice left-back.
How can Nuno get the best out of Scarles?
He is likely to be among the starters against Manchester City…
Ollie Scarles during the Premier League Summer Series clash between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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The 20-year-old was an unused substitute for six of the seven games before he was finally given minutes against Brentford and Leeds United at the end of October.
After that, he missed over a month of action and is now back in contention to play for the first team.
While he could start the game against City, he is highly unlikely to play the full 90 minutes, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert and sports scientist claims that he is at a higher risk of re-injury as he has played no minutes of competitive football since October and has only just recovered from his injury.
He believes the Hammers will gradually ramp up his minutes to ensure he’s ready to play the full 90 minutes with minimal risk.
Dr Brar told Hammers News: “Doubtful he’ll play a full 90 right from the start. Rather, he is expected to get bounce minutes until he can tolerate the full 90 minutes.
“Currently, he is at a higher risk of re-injury. His lack of game time this season is also a factor worth considering.”
West Ham United v Brentford - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
West Ham right to be careful with Scarles
At 20, the Hammers should not take any risks with Scarles and ensure that he’s ready to start a Premier League game.
Nuno may be forced into giving him more minutes than he would have wanted, but it’s important that he considers the risk vesus reward.
Scarles has proven that he is ready for top-flight football, but injury setbacks can be brutal and it will be much better if he is eased into things.
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