There was relief and caution in equal measure for Hammers fans following the latest round of international fixtures. West Ham face off against Leeds United in the FA Cup on Sunday, with the last round’s injury to Crysencio Summerville fresh in our minds.
So it was very much hearts-in-mouth time as Aaron Wan-Bissaka played 120 minutes as Congo qualified for the World Cup by beating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in their play-off final in Mexico.
First of all, it is a massive well done to AWB, who will no doubt be buzzing after achieving a lifetime dream. However, 120 minutes and a flight back from Mexico is far from ideal, so I guess we will see Kyle Walker-Peters start against Leeds.
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Wan Bissaka played 120 minutes and faces a fight and flight to make West Ham’s team for Leeds United
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The main thing is that he has returned without injury, and the same can be said for Mateus Fernandes, who made his senior debut for Portugal. Unlike Wan-Bissaka, Fernandes was brought on with five minutes remaining in his country’s 2-0 win against the USA.
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So fortunately, all West Ham will be dealing with is a bit of jet lag and some aching limbs from a very happy AWB.