According to West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, defender Angelo Ogbonna has been given just a ’50/50′ chance of being available for their encounter with Everton this weekend.
The Lowdown: Ogbonna missing for Hammers
The Italian has been unavailable since a 1-o loss to Chelsea at the London Stadium nearly two weeks ago and manager David Moyes was forced to cope without his colossal presence at the back yet again during West Ham’s latest victory at Burnley.
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Previously, Ogbonna had been missing for eight matches between February 10 and April 12 – unavailable for West Ham selection over 61 days in that time (Transfermarkt).
Upon his return, Moyes received a big boost in terms of defensive options as he seeks to guide the Irons to unprecedented Champions League qualification.
However, it didn’t take long for the 32-year-old to succumb to another injury issue and is now sidelined again.
The Latest: Chance of weekend return ’50/50′
Providing an update, club insider Claret & Hugh have shared news that he only has around a ‘50/50‘ chance of returning for their clash against Everton this weekend.
It is believed he is still recovering from the knock picked up against Chelsea while fellow defender Arthur Masuaku very much remains in the same position.
They note that Ogbonna could arguably be West Ham’s most important potential absentee for the Everton game, especially given alternative option Issa Diop has failed to impress recently.
The Verdict: Would be a big blow
The Toffees’ impending London Stadium visit comes as another stern test as the Irons continue chasing their Champions League dream, and they have had to cope with mounting injury issues over this last month.
As well as Ogbonna and Masuaku, the likes of Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell and Declan Rice have recently missed time (whufc.com).
Antonio and Cresswell both made a welcome return to the side at Turf Moor, meanwhile Rice is expected to return soon (C&H).
Regardless, possibly being without Ogbonna comes as a setback for Moyes and co given he has arguably been their most outstanding centre-back this season alongside Craig Dawson.
Former West Ham defender James Collins seemingly believes that’s the case, branding him ‘phenomenal’ in an interview with the club’s official website earlier this season.
As a result, Irons supporters will be hoping they have him back either for Everton or as soon as possible thereafter.
In other news: West Ham now eyeing this ‘absolutely crazy’ striker, find out more here.
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