Frank McAvennie warns West Ham not to push Masuaku too much too soon
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Arthur Masuaku is closing in on a return for West Ham after spending almost four months on the sidelines due to undergoing knee surgery in December.
According to football.london, the 27-year-old left-back is in contention to be named in the squad to play Wolves on Monday night but is unlikely to make the starting line-up.
Ex-West Ham striker Frank McAvennie is happy that Masuaku is back after such a long absence but has warned that if he’s used too soon, there’s a risk of him getting injured again.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “It’s good to get anyone back from injury. He was a stalwart and was doing very well but it will take him a little while to get back up to speed.
“It doesn’t matter how fit you get, it doesn’t matter where you are, what club you play for, you’ve got to get game-time.
“There’s a difference between being fit and being match-fit. You can be as fit as you want but 10 minutes into the game you can be on your backside because you’re not match-fit.
“I don’t think it will be long before Masuaku is back in but the boys have done well. If your form goes then he has to come back in straight away.”
Masuaku was in superb form for West Ham at the start of the season, playing in the left wing-back role supported by Aaron Cresswell who’d bomb forward from the left centre-back position.
The DR Congo international made 10 Premier League appearances before undergoing surgery and supplied one assist, which was in the 4-0 win over Wolves back in September.
There’s also been positive news on Pablo Fornals, who’s missed the last two matches against Manchester United and Arsenal with a knock.
He’s reportedly being considered for a spot in the starting line-up [football.london] and McAvennie believes the Spanish playmaker should replace Jarrod Bowen.
“I would think he’d replace Bowen if he’s fit and if [Jesse] Lingard’s in there too, that will be some attack with them helping [Michail] Antonio,” McAvennie added.
In other West Ham news, here’s a look back at the last time the Hammers won at Molineux.