**West Ham’s immense run of form has recently been dimmed down and many fans have quickly suggested it’s due to Pablo’s absence from the side, but why is that?**
West Ham signed Pablo in January, but before the transfer was concluded, the Hammers were informed of the Brazilian’s recurring injury problems, including one that would’ve needed to be resolved through surgery at some point. Despite the club’s best efforts to manage, Pablo appeared to suffer an injury against Burnley and that has put him out since. With the forward only returning to individual training this week, the Hammers could expect him to return after the intentional break.
With Pablo integrated alongside Taty, Nuno’s side seems unstoppable, the South American pair linked with one another, brilliantly giving the Hammers belief in staying in the Premier League whilst also witnessing a working front two together which fans haven’t seen since the days of Sakho and Valencia!
Pablo’s work ethic provided everyone with options around him, his ability and determination provided alternative options to everyone around him. He provided space for Bowen and Summerville on the wing and by drifting back, he opened up space for Taty Castellanos to pick up the ball and drive or pass it into an area of danger… West Ham currently does not have that.
Pablo received his fair share of criticism, with many complaining that he doesn’t do much on the ball, whilst that statistically might’ve proved correct, it was what he did off the ball that stats don’t inform you about, which is exactly what West Ham misses the most.
Whilst the dip in form may to be costly, positives can be picked up by the fact that with Pablo’s expected return date, the Hammers could see the Brazilian return for the fixtures against Wolves (H), Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H) and Brentford (A) which could prove to be the fateful four in this relegation fight.
If the Hammers are to pick up a sufficient haul of points in the upcoming weeks consecutively, the best chance Nuno’s side have of that is the named fixtures, but unfortunately for now, West Ham will have to focus on the endeavour to West London, where they’ll take on Fulham in a crucial game, of which Pablo will unfortunately not be used.