Prior to West Ham United’s game against Manchester United on Tuesday night, Nuno Espirito Santo delivered some worrying injury news.
The Hammers certainly do not have a squad deep enough to lose players during a relegation scrap, so it was concerning when Nuno confirmed that West Ham had suffered new injuries.
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A graphic asking West Ham fans to grade Adama Traore's performance so far.
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It led to some speculation on exactly who would miss West Ham’s game with the Red Devils, with many fearing some key players would be ruled out.
That didn’t prove to be the case in the end as West Ham drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Tuesday.
The bulk of Nuno’s squad played the game, other than the suspended Jean-Clair Todibo.
However, one notable absence was Pablo Felipe, and the West Ham head coach issued a concerning update about him after the game.
Pablo Felipe injury at West Ham United confirmed
Nuno was asked about the forward during his post-match press conference on Tuesday night.
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Though the former Gil Vicente star hasn’t scored for the Irons yet, Pablo has impressed West Ham fans at times.
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A graphic showing Nuno Espirito Santo's quote after West Ham draw with Manchester United
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Along with Taty Castellanos, he has brought an energy to the West Ham frontline that had previously been profoundly lacking.
With that in mind, missing him in the battles to come is most unwelcome.
“Yeah, he’s the injury that we have,” he said when asked about the forward.
“Unfortunately, he’s going to be out. That’s a blow for us.”
Who could replace Pablo Felipe for West Ham United?
Nuno changed the formation against Man United, with an extra central midfielder in the shape of Freddie Potts brought in to cover for Pablo’s absence.
That does seem the most likely outcome going forward, too.
Pablo Felipe playing for West Ham against Tottenham.
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Taty could feasibly operate in the deeper role behind Callum Wilson, but there would surely be doubts about whether the former Newcastle United forward can really start games on a consistent basis.
West Ham may not be losing any goals with Pablo missing but the injury blow could really change how the team operates going forward.
In the midst of a relegation scrap, this is very bad news indeed.
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