Nuno Espirito Santo and Adama Boiro in action for Atlético Bilbao

Nuno and Adama BoiroImago

Adama Boiro's mystery absence vs Wrexham becomes clear as West Ham reality sets in

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

12 Sep 2026, 5:10 pm

Adama Boiro was left out of West Ham United's matchday squad in their 6-0 win over Wrexham on Friday.

The left-back was brought in on a season-long loan from Athletic Bilbao, but faces stiff competition to get into Nuno Espirito Santo's starting eleven.

He made his debut in the 3-0 win against Derby County, coming off the bench for 13 minutes, but was then an unused substitute in the following game against Bolton Wanderers.

Ollie Scarles has been the main left-back option for Nuno so far this campaign, but opted to play Max Kilman in his position against Wrexham.

Kilman has been a controversial figure at the London Stadium in recent years, but Nuno clearly sees more use with the former Wolves man than just playing him as a centre-back.

But why would Nuno not give Boiro a chance after bringing him in this summer?

Adama Boiro absence simply explained by harsh West Ham reality

There were no reports of Boiro being injured ahead of the Hammers hosting Wrexham in E20.

Nuno did not reveal anything about the loanee, and so his absence feels like a mystery to some.

But the reality is that the West Ham boss has to be brutal in the Championship, and clearly feels like there are two current options better than Boiro at left-back.

It's rather telling considering an out-of-position Kilman is viewed as a better option.

Adama Boiro not injured, just not selected.
— Central (@WestHam_Central) September 11, 2026

Boiro only had 13 minutes to impress on his debut against Derby, but clearly didn't do enough in his short cameo.

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Scarles hasn't pulled up any trees so far this season, but at the same time, he's yet to put a foot wrong.

Whether he will keep his place if the Hammers end up getting promoted will be revealed in due time, but for now, he is most likely to be the main option at left-back.

Boiro is someone who hasn't had much league action so far in his career, often coming off the bench for Bilbao.

The 24-year-old has only made 21 league starts in his senior career, which, given his age, doesn't give him the experience needed to thrive in the Championship.

Perhaps Boiro is yet to show his best in training, but if he continues not to play, a loan termination could be on the cards.

Wrexham Association Football Club