West Ham United will be without defender Ben Johnson again for their trip to Silkeborg tonight as manager David Moyes shares some injury news.
The Lowdown: Hammers back in Europe...
While the Premier League side have made a slow start to their domestic season, the same cannot be said for their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign.
The Hammers fought back from a goal down to beat FCSB 3-1 in their opening Group B game at the London Stadium last week, displaying real character in a promising second half display from Moyes' side.
West Ham did make hard work of that encounter but the east Londoners will be hoping for a slightly less dramatic occasion in Denmark this evening.
The Latest: Johnson out...
Speaking to the media, Moyes has shared the latest team news.
The Scotsman explains that Johnson remains out and did not travel with the squad for tonight's clash, but does have a near-fully fit squad to choose from bar the young right-back and summer signing Nayef Aguerd.
"Craig Dawson and Aaron Cresswell have travelled, but Ben Johnson hasn’t.
“So, we’ll have a look at them and obviously we have to check out what is best for them regarding the surface etcetera, but we’ve brought them with us and they’re both getting nearer to fitness.
“Craig had had six weeks out and Cressy’s only probably had two weeks out really, so we just need to make sure that their injuries are okay, but they have done a bit of training.”
Maxwel Cornet is also apparently 'fine' and ready for selection.
The Verdict: Setback for Moyes?
West Ham should have more than enough star quality to overcome Silkeborg tonight, but Moyes will be hoping Johnson is back in action to contend domestically.
Called a 'wonderful' professional by former assistant head coach Stuart Pearce, the defender has also been tipped as an 'exciting' talent and one who could prove to be a 'massive, long-term player' for Moyes in the coming years.
Homegrown and extremely promising, Johnson could prove a pivotal figure in West Ham's quest for European qualification again this season.