Santo wants - and perhaps needs - a key player backplaceholder image
Santo wants - and perhaps needs - a key player back | AFP via Getty Images
Nuno Espirito Santo has provided a West Ham injury update ahead of a key run of fixtures.
Nuno Espirito Santo has delivered a team news update ahead of an important run of fixtures for his side. West Ham have closed the gap to safety to just two points in recent weeks, putting together a much improved run of form that really felt like it came from nowhere.
The Hammers once looked as though they would drop off a cliff as far as relegation was concerned, but a couple of positive results and a few new signings in January changed all that.
Momentum has been building, and West Ham will rock up at Anfield this weekend full of belief, even if they know it’s going to be a tough ask against a Liverpool side that has also been in improved form as they hunt down a top four finish.
The Hammers now have a tricky run of fixtures that will see them face Liverpool, Fulham, Manchester City and Aston Villa in their next four, and those games lead them into what will be seen as a must-win against bottom club Wolves.
West Ham know they will need a surprise result or two down the stretch if they are to beat the drop, given they are fighting from behind, and Liverpool would be some statement to their rivals.
Ahead of those games, West Ham are sweating on the return of forward Pablo Felipe, who arrived in January and played a key role in sparking the Iron to life with his seemingless endless energy in the position just behind the striker, which has been fellow new signing Taty Castellanos in recent weeks.
Speaking ahead of the Liverpool game, Santo provided an update, saying: “He (Pablo) didn’t join us yet. He’s starting his individual programme, so he’s improving day by day. We’ll keep assessing him and see when he can return. Hopefully it’s soon, because we miss him.
“[Elsewhere in the squad] there are always things to assess. We have another training session tomorrow (Friday) and then we will travel.”
Santo on where his side are now
Providing an update on the mood within his squad, Santo added: “I think we’ve been performing well, in the league and in the cup, where we did the job that we had to do. Unfortunately some of the results haven’t quite come, but in terms of performances, I think we’re improving different aspects and we’ve had some clean sheets, which always motivates us.
“We assess the reality of each game, and look at the good things and the mistakes we did, so we can improve for the next one. We can’t dwell for too long because we have to react and put in a good display again. We know that Saturday is going to be a new challenge, so new things will happen. We are confident we are performing well though, so we’ll go there with belief.”
On the strength of the bond within his side, which is half of the battle in a relegation fight, Santo continued: “Good performances always help, in terms of the atmosphere. It’s been a very good week of work and we still have tomorrow, but the atmosphere is good.
“So, we’re confident. We realise how tough the situation is, but we want to stand up to the challenge. Every player is important, and our decisions depend on what the games demand. We always look to see what we think the team needs, and we will always look to use the squad in the right moments.”
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