West Ham’s first crucial game of the ‘seven showdowns’ that will determine their Premier League survival takes place at London Stadium on Friday night: The Hammers’ weary squad have five days’ recovery from the bruising FA Cup quarter final defeat to pick themselves up, mentally and physically.
And there’s big news on the ‘physicality’ issue:
Several players were absent with injury or forced off the pitch during the 120 minutes’ bruising quarter final.
Forced off in the quarter final: Alphonse Areola
Areola of course was substituted for Herrick in extra time, Disasi was limping clutching his hamstring at the end of 120 minutes and Adama Traore was forced off, again limping.
News from the twitter sphere this morning comes from club insider source @exWHUEmployee, suggesting there is good news on the fitness front that will be music to the ears of West Ham Fans:
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A top source at West Ham says ‘HOPEFULLY’ the whole team will be available for Friday night vs Wolves. Initial scares for Disasi, Adama and Areola have been put down to tiredness, although all will be assessed further.(@westhamcentral)
Good news indeed.
Of course West Ham management and fans alike will be sweating on news of Dinos Mavrapanos, Jean Clair Todibo and Crysencio Summerville, along with the return to training of Aaron Wan Bissaka after his -ahem – extended stay in DR Congo.
Being able to field a back four of Wan Bissaka, Disasi, Mavropanos and Diouf would hugely impact West Ham’s survival chances if the four were able to play consistently for the next seven matches.
Kyle Walker Peters actually performed well in Wan Bissaka’s absence and some have suggested he’d be hard done by to surrender his starting position.
Whichever option Nuno picks for right back, the key will be the centre back situation with ‘calamity’ Kilman hopefully sitting out the rest of the season well away from the West Ham back line.