West Ham United head coach Nuno Espirito Santo allayed any fears over Jarrod Bowen’s fitness after the win over Burton in the FA Cup.
Bowen has proven as reliable as ever for West Ham United this season, scoring eight goals in 28 games.
The England international, however, was left out of the match day squad as West Ham beat Burton in the FA Cup fourth round.
It was the first game in which the 29-year-old hasn’t played a part this season, so Nuno was always likely to be asked about his captain after the victory.
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Speaking to reporters, the West Ham manager looked relaxed when he was asked about Bowen’s absence.
Nuno said: “No [he wasn’t injured].
“Jarrod, needed this break. Jarrod and the players that stay at home [are] doing treatment and recovery and getting ready for the fight that we have ahead of us.”
Nuno makes wise decision on Jarrod Bowen at West Ham United
Bowen will be needed in the battles to come. Without him, the already difficult task that West Ham face in trying to stay up would be even more difficult.
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Indeed, Bowen was brilliant during West Ham’s draw with Manchester United on Tuesday, dragging his team up the field and providing the assist for Tomas Soucek’s goal.
Supporters here in east London would surely admit, however, that the forward has looked somewhat tired in recent weeks.
That is perfectly understandable and the rest on Saturday will surely do him good ahead of next weekend’s huge Premier League clash at home to Bournemouth.
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A general view of the FA Cup trophy at Wembley.
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Other key players rested for West Ham’s over Burton
While the reserve options in the West Ham United squad did not entirely convince, the fact that the Hammers got the job done without some of their key players is worth celebrating to a certain degree.
Along with Bowen, West Ham were able to rest Tomas Soucek and Mateus Fernandes against Burton.
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen talks with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf were in the squad but didn’t get off the bench, so at least they got something of a rest too.
West Ham made ten changes for their game against Burton and they still won. No matter the performance, that has to be a good thing.
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