With the re-start of the Premier League four days away, the safe return of players from the international break is concerning every head coach or manager. For West Ham, Tomas Soucek, Vlad Coufal, Lucas Paquetá Edson Alvarez Alphonse Areloa and Michail Antonio all have journeys back to their club – so far without any reported issues.
Niclas Fullkrug remains the only ‘reported’ injury worry with the long term achilles injury and “will he – won’t he” status for the weekend.
For Tottenham – and for manager Ange Postecoglou – the worries remain. Already well aired are the issues with Son Heung-Min and Richarlison, one of whom is a ‘possible’ whilst the Brazilian goes in the ‘doubtful’ category.
Added to these challenges, the Tottenham camp now have the news of youngster Lucas Bergvall, who, as reported in today’s TheStandard was forced to withdraw from Sweden’s squad yesterday and return to London.
Although only so far a performer in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, coming on top of left winger Wilson Odobert’s enforced sideline with a hamstring injury, it does mean that Spurs will be juggling several almost fit, recovering or returning players for the visit of The Hammers on Saturday.
Whilst nobody wants to see players out injured, through our Claret and Blue glasses we would like to see a West Ham victory at arch rival Spurs’ HQ and Lopetegui will take any advantage in the quest for another three points.