Major West Ham worry with key player nowhere to be seen in training after Lopetegui’s admission
West Ham United travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.
Unfortunately for West Ham though, we seemingly have one big injury problem heading into the Palace clash.
Julen Lopetegui spoke to reporters on Thursday, and admitted that one of his players picked up an injury problem during training this week.
That was obviously a concern, with the West Ham fans praying that the injury problem didn’t involve one of our most important players.
The Hammers head coach has a very strong squad at his disposal at the London Stadium now, so we are fairly well equipped to deal with injuries and suspensions.
However, there are some departments of Lopetegui’s squad that are much stronger than others.
And that’s why the latest pictures coming out of Rush Green are so concerning.
Major West Ham worry ahead of Crystal Palace
The Hammers really need a result today.
Lopetegui obviously needs time and patience, but the reality is that, with Manchester City to come next, a defeat at Palace could see the pressure really ramp up on the West Ham boss.
The Eagles are in disarray right now, with Joachim Andersen having left to join Fulham and Jordan Ayew moving to Leicester City.
In addition to that, Marc Guehi faces an extremely uncertain future at Selhurst Park. They really should be there for the taking, but West Ham have a very big problem.
That’s because Guido Rodriguez was nowhere to be seen during training at Rush Green yesterday.
The 30-year-old is clearly an absolutely vital player for the Hammers, especially with Edson Alvarez currently missing with a hamstring injury.
He is a tenacious tackler who excels when breaking up play in the middle of the park – something that will be crucial when facing Palace.
I guess we just have to hope that Guido Rodriguez is just fine, and he starts for West Ham against Crystal Palace this afternoon.
The thought of a James Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek double pivot fills me with dread.
Without Rodriguez today, we could be in big trouble.
