Nuno Espirito Santo is hopeful that Pablo Felipe will be back in action for West Ham United in the near future as he previews Saturday’s Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth.
The £18 million January signing will play no part against the Cherries, of course.
Pablo is expected to miss four Premier League matches as well as the FA Cup fifth-round clash with London neighbours Brentford. He picked up a calf injury between that win at Burnley and the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
No Potts, no Pablo – but Todibo is back!
What changes would YOU make to this potential XI v Bournemouth? 🤔
West Ham v Bournemouth potential XI
Nuno Espirito Santo described Pablo’s absence as a ‘big blow’ when the extent of his injury became clear last week. The former Gil Vicente talisman might not have opened his account for West Ham United, but the intensity and work-rate he brings alongside Taty Castellanos has played a big role in his team’s recent resurgence.
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Nuno Espirito Santo says West Ham United striker Pablo Felipe is ‘getting better’
Pablo Felipe playing for West Ham against Tottenham.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Nuno, when asked to provide an update in his pre-match press conference on Thursday lunchtime, offered a more positive stance even if Pablo’s return is seemingly still weeks away.
“We have to go day by day, to assess him. He’s getting better each day,” Nuno said. “So, hopefully, he can join us soon.
“Everybody [else] is OK, working well and hard, getting ready for Saturday.”
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How big of a blow is Freddie Potts’ suspension?!
Anyone else think it was a harsh red?! 👀
A graphic showing Freddie Potts being suspended for West Ham United after his red card vs Burton Albion.
Credit: Getty Images/Rob Newell – CameraSport
Nuno can call upon Jean-Clair Todibo against Bournemouth. The defender is back having served his three match suspension.
On the other hand, West Ham have lost Freddie Potts to a three-game ban of his own. Potts was shown a straight red card for an aggressive challenge during last weekend’s 1-0 FA Cup victory over Burton Albion.
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