West Ham United rocked by two extra injury worries to key players for Newcastle United clash


 
 
 
 
 
 

West Ham United were already missing their exciting attacking player Mohammed Kudus due to a suspension, as well as big summer signing, German international striker Niclas Fullkrug who is out injured.

The Hammers returning to action after the international break, with a trip to St James’ Park for tonight’s match.

Julen Lopetegui referred in his pre-match press conference to another couple of injury worries, the West Ham United boss referring to ‘There is a little problem with two players.’

Not much was made of it in the media at the time.

However, respected independent West Ham United site Claret and Hugh, say that this has now turned out to be a massive worry, as the two injury worries have now seemingly been identified.

They report (see below) that it is Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta who are the extra injury worries that Lopetegui was referring to.

Reading comments from West Ham fans in the build up to this Newcastle match, fair to say that the mood hasn’t been exactly positive, having lost 3-0 to Forest and drawn 0-0 at home to Everton in their last two matches.

If indeed Bowen and/or Paqueta are missing, as well as Kudus and Fullkrug, then that will be another major boost for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United side. Especially in light of the fact that results this weekend mean that a home win tonight will see Newcastle move to within two points of second top.

Claret and Hugh report – 24 November 2024:

‘Big West Ham Worry As The ‘Two Doubtful’ Vs Newcastle Are Identified

At this crucial time, in his pre-match press conference Lopetegui was philosophical and either ‘upbeat’ or ‘in denial’ depending on viewpoint: The eagle-eyed amongst us did notice that he tried to sneak through bad news under the radar:”There is a “little problem with two players” he confirmed before the trip to Newcastle but when pressed, refused to give names.

Rumours today from a couple of sources make for a big Lopetegui worry indeed – the identities of the ‘two little problems’ are believed to be captain Jarrod Bowen and midfielder Lucas Paquetá: As if the hill to climb wasn’t steep enough for Lopetegui’s must-win game, the prospect of doing so without his Captain and Senior Pro makes it a positive mountain.’