Tomas Soucek in action for Czechia as Nuno Espirito Santo looks on in circular inset
Credit: Imago
Scott Mason
Thu 2 April 2026 8:10, UK
Tomas Soucek playing 120 minutes for Czechia in midweek is not ideal for West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
With the international break behind us, preparations for the Hammers’ FA Cup tie versus Leeds are in full swing.
The Irons are looking for a first trip to the semi-final of England’s premier cup competition since 2005–06.
Nuno is no stranger to making a semi-final at Wembley, having reached that round twice before, with the most recent arriving last season with Nottingham Forest.
Now, ahead of West Ham’s game against Leeds, the Irons manager may have to make a decision around Soucek, with the midfielder at risk of fatigue.
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Why Nuno will have concern about Tomas Soucek ahead of West Ham vs Leeds
Soucek will return to London Stadium in high spirits after helping his nation qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The West Ham star was a crucial player for his nation as they surpassed Denmark in the qualifiers on penalties.
Soucek minutes played in the last five games Total
Czechia vs Denmark 120
Czechia vs Republic of Ireland 75
Aston Villa vs West Ham 83
West Ham vs Man City 90
West Ham vs Brentford 120
Soucek made three tackles and four recoveries and won six out of his eleven duels competed in against the Danes.
Additionally, with Denmark holding 77 per cent of the possession, there was little time for the Hammers star to lose concentration, a tiring aspect of the game itself.
However, the stat that Nuno will care most about is the fact his midfielder played 120 minutes.
Over his last five games, which includes three matches going to extra time, Soucek has played just over 90 per cent of all available minutes.
Tomas Soucek total available minutes played
Credit: Breaking Media
With small margins becoming ever so important, even the slightest risk of fatigue could come into Nuno’s thinking ahead of their FA Cup clash against Leeds.
Why Nuno may be best to rest Soucek vs Leeds
In the end, Soucek may ultimately be fine to start, but it’s still a decision Nuno will ponder.
120 minutes in an intense and emotional World Cup qualifying game will be tough on the body, even with plenty of time to recover for the match.
The midfielder, while he did not start against the Republic of Ireland in the first of the play-off matches, did also play 75 minutes in that game as well due to extra time.
With the chance of extra time against Leeds, it may be wiser to keep Soucek on the bench for the latter stages of the game.
Tomas Soucek 28 of West Ham United during the Premier League Summer Series game against Manchester United.
Credit: Breaking Media
Especially seeing as the 31-year-old twice proved himself to be effective from the penalty spot on international duty.
Overall, playing 240 minutes worth of football in just five days would not be ideal amid West Ham’s battle to survive.
And Freddie Potts may be a better choice for West Ham when Nuno decides his starting lineup.