About two weeks ago, we published a graphic from the BBC showing the ‘injury league table’ and West Ham United sitting at the very bottom, an enviable record with fewest days injured for first team players this season.
Yesterday Lopetegui’s luck ran out and suddenly he has challenges across his squad with no less than five players likely to be out for the visit of Liverpool this weekend: At a time when even the Hammers’ strongest eleven would struggle against the top-of-the-table Reds, having five absentees makes the mountain that much harder to climb, especially considering how much West Ham struggled to dominate bottom of the table Southampton.
Lucas Fabianski will face at least ten days out under concussion protocol after being stretchered off against Southampton. Alphonse Areola had better take extra care of his health as only Wes Foderingham waits as the spare keeper.
Max Kilman left the field after sustaining – or aggravating – a shoulder injury which clearly wasn’t fixed by spray or strapping. I didn’t see his interview, but apparently Lopetegui confirmed after the game that he’s doubtful for Liverpool having been an ever-present this season.
Carlos Soler was substituted at half time after aggravating a knee injury and likely will miss the Liverpool game.
With both Guido Rodriguez and Tomas Soucek picking up yellows, they are suspended for the Liverpool match meaning five likely absentees. Fortunately Hammers’ Lucas Paquetá will be back from suspension and Edson Alvarez has no issues so there are just two midfielders fit and ready to start.
