Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Manchester City - London Stadium, London, Britain - August 7, 2022 West Ham United's Kurt Zouma reacts REUTERS/Tony Obrien EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
West Ham insiders Claret & Hugh have shared ‘more bad news’ for manager David Moyes as the Irons prepare for Tottenham this weekend.
The Lowdown: Moyes injury worries…
The east Londoners are already facing the possibility of fielding a very weakened squad for their upcoming London derby clash against Spurs this weekend.
The Premier League relegation battlers already look likely to be without Nayef Aguerd and Lucas Paqueta after the summer signings were withdrawn through injury against Chelsea.
Moyes’ side have suffered with very bad luck in terms of absentees this term with C&H now sharing ‘more bad news’ involving centre-back Kurt Zouma.
The Latest: West Ham dealt Zouma absence?
According to the club insider, Chelsea’s former defender is ‘hugely unlikely’ to be available for selection in what is a ‘major blow’ for Moyes.
It’s added that Zouma’s absence could prompt West Ham to select their most makeshift defence of the campaign.
Angelo Ogbonna could even partner Thilo Kehrer and Aaron Cresswell in the middle of a back five with Emerson and Coufal on either side at full-back.
The Verdict: Real worry…
If the potential absences of Paqueta and Aguerd weren’t enough, Zouma’s very likely exclusion is another real worry for Moyes.
According to WhoScored, the Frenchman ranks in West Ham’s top six by average match rating and has started 15 league games under Moyes this season.
In terms of defensive ability, Zouma ranks highest in the Hammers squad for successful clearances per 90 – standing out as a truly colossal presence when fit and available.
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old also sits just behind Tomas Soucek in terms of aerial duels won in the league this season (WhoScored).
Moyes’ side have turned a corner in terms of results lately but this plethora of injury issues only spells trouble as West Ham gear up to take on their fierce rivals.
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