**Edson Alvarez suffered from a sickness bug ahead of the Everton match which saw him remain on the bench.**
It’s been reported exclusively by our insider ExWHUEmployee that the Mexican international suffered the illness ahead of the match against former boss David Moyes at Goodison Park, a game which West Ham lead until the 91st minute.
The line-up from Graham Potter sparked much confusion amongst the fanbase, with many questioning why Alvarez was omitted, however Ex has now advised that it was a call forced upon the Hammers boss.
“Edson Alvarez picked up a sickness bug ahead of the game against Everton, after originally being named in the starting eleven,” stated the insider on The West Ham Way Podcast. “This meant that he was put on the bench for the game, with an understanding that he’s only be called upon unless desperately needed.
“This is why Rodriguez came on in the dying minutes rather than Alvarez and why Alvarez was removed from the original starting eleven.”
Ex also provided a further update on Niclas Fullkrug and Vladimir Coufal, who were both missing from the squad which faced Everton.
“Coufal wasn’t risked although he is a lot closer now, he’s even included in the Czech Republic squad for the international break. Fullkrug is recovering well and should be back available after the international break.”