Nuno will miss Summerville for 'some games'
Leeds United head to the London Stadium next Sunday to face West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with plenty of excitement building around the tie.
While their main priority remains securing Premier League survival, this first game after the international break offers a real chance to edge closer to Wembley.
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It’s been more than 20 years since Leeds last reached the final eight of the FA Cup, and a clash with West Ham gives them a genuine opportunity to make the semi-finals.
It’ll be interesting to see whether both sides, still caught up in the relegation battle, go full strength. That said, the Hammers have concerns around the availability of a key star.
West Ham worried Mateus Fernandes could miss the FA Cup game
The West Ham midfielder’s form in the last few months has been a big reason behind the Hammers feeling more confident about staying up in the Premier League.
Fernandes has been called up to the Portugal squad for the international friendlies in the United States. However, he did not feature in the 0-0 draw against Mexico.
However, Roberto Martinez has indicated that the 21-year-old midfielder could make his debut against the US this week.
Portugal do not kick off against the US until 12 am UK time on Wednesday, which means it would be a race against time to bring him back to England.
Fernandes will presumably fly straight to London on Thursday, and then West Ham will have to figure out a way to get him ready for the Leeds clash on Sunday.
West Ham hope that two days will be enough time for the midfielder to get over any jet lag and train properly with the team for the Leeds game at the London Stadium.
Playing at home means it gives West Ham more time to prepare for the game without the hassle of travelling north to Leeds.
Will they field their best eleven on Sunday?
Leeds do not have any injury issues at the moment. However, West Ham are doubtful about the availability of Crysencio Summerville and Jean-Claire Todibo.
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For Leeds fans, the prospect of a Wembley trip for an FA Cup semi-final is incredibly tempting — it’s the kind of cup run they’ve been desperate for over the years.
But for Daniel Farke and the club, staying in the Premier League comes first. Survival means far more than a one-off appearance in the last four.
Both teams are involved in the relegation race, and they may not want to lose any of their key players ahead of the Premier League run-in.
In the end, Leeds’ bigger picture depends on remaining in the top flight, which is why their focus is firmly on the final seven league games rather than getting carried away by the cup.