BBC Sport shares if new West Ham signing could make debut v Man City – report
West Ham United defender Konstantinos Mavropanos could be in line to make his London Stadium debut against Manchester City on Saturday 16 September, according to BBC Sport.
The Greek international has recovered from a back injury, according to the UK news source (15 September), and might play for his new club for the first time on Saturday after moving for £17 million from Stuttgart [Sky Sports, 23 August].
Due to a back problem, Mavropanos only played once for Greece during the international break, but he was instrumental in a 5-0 victory over Gibraltar in a Euro 2024 qualifying match by scoring twice, earning him a spot on the Sofascore team of the week.
While the new defender for the Hammers has yet to make an appearance for the club due to injury, it is reasonable to assume that he is healthy and prepared to contribute should David Moyes want to use him for the encounter against Manchester City.
The Greek international was outstanding in midweek’s match against Gibraltar, rounding off a strong and assured defensive display with two goals from headers.
The former Stuttgart and Arsenal player will undoubtedly score goals in front of his new supporters soon given West Ham United’s recent dominance in the Premier League from set pieces.
The 25-year-old would face a baptism of fire when facing Erling Haaland and the rest of Pep Guardiola’s team, but he will return from international duty boosted by his performance for Greece in the previous week.
Although Mavropanos might not start the match, Moyes won’t be surprised if the Hammers decide to keep a lead and opt to use the 25-year-old as the link holding everything together.
Whether or whether Moyes plays on Sunday, his confidence, health, and—most importantly—his status as a top defender in his own right have all given him an edge.