Nuno Espirito Santo was quick to deny the idea that Crysencio Summerville’s injury was worse than first feared.
The West Ham United star suffered a calf injury against Brentford in late March and has subsequently missed their last three games.
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West Ham United's Spanish midfielder #17 Adama Traore (C) runs through the Leeds midfield during the English FA Cup quarter final football match between West Ham United and Leeds United at the London Stadium in east London on April 5, 2026.
Nuno desperately needs Summerville back, ideally in time for Friday’s huge game against Wolves in the Premier League.
If the Hammers do not win that, it is very difficult to imagine them staying up this season.
Summerville was not fit enough to feature for West Ham against Leeds, but Nuno denied that his calf injury was worse than first feared.
Nuno denies Summerville’s injury is worse than first thought
Asked by TNT Sports about Summerville’s injury, Nuno said: “No, he’s recovering well. He needs more time on the grass to get himself fit in the best way that he can.”
Summerville is thought to be back in training at West Ham, although to what extent is unclear at this stage.
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Hopefully, he will be able to get himself into a position to play in at least some capacity on Friday night. It would genuinely not be hyperbolic to suggest that their Premier League survival rests on it.
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Adama Traore stepped up in Summerville’s absence against Leeds but there’s little doubt that the Spaniard just cannot offer what the Dutchman can when the latter is at his best.
Friday night is a must-win game for the Irons and their task is made slightly easier if Summerville is indeed able to play.
Crysencio Summerville playing for West Ham United against Fulham in the Premier League.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Summerville was trying to encourage his replacement against Leeds
It was positive to see Summerville at the London Stadium for the Leeds game, showing little obvious sign of injury.
That clearly does not mean he’s not injured, just that it wasn’t all that apparent when he was seen watching the game alongside his teammates.
According to The Athletic, Summerville was seen trying to gee up Traore before extra-time began against the Yorkshire giants.
Traore did have his best game for West Ham yet against Leeds and that kind of performance level will be needed once again if he does indeed need to start the game on Friday night.
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