Fabianski injury concern emerges after what happened in Southampton v West Ham

Lukasz Fabianski's injury was cause for concern after being replaced during West Ham United's 1-0 victory over Southampton on Thursday.

The 39-year-old was replaced by Alphonse Areola after 36 minutes, taken off on a stretcher after seven minutes, unable to continue following a collision at a corner, but was seen back in the dugout in the second half.

Supporters will be waiting anxiously for the Hammers to release an official statement on their in-form goalkeeper, having seen Max Kilman already substituted due to his own injury issue.

Speaking live via Amazon Prime [26 December, 3:34pm], Tim Sherwood said: "It looked like a head injury - I hope he's alright. It doesn't look like he's going to play any further part, with Alphonse Areola coming on for him.

"Aaron Ramsdale has gone the length of the pitch to see how he is, so it doesn't look good for Fabianski. He's made four fantastic saves so far but he's going off. There's an elbow or a collision - nothing sinister - but he wasn't moving from that moment. We wish him well."

West Ham United wishes being sent to Lukasz Fabianski

Fabianski has made an unexpected comeback in between the sticks, with Lopetegui opting for the Polish international over Areola, who has seen a massive drop in form.

However, with the 39-year-old now going off on a stretcher, the Frenchman must step up for the Hammers ahead of a tricky winter period.

Lopetegui's side must take on Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Fulham in the upcoming weeks, and if they are without both Fabianski and Kilman, it could be a rough few results.

Of course, all the focus will be on the goalkeeper's wellbeing after being stretchered off the pitch, but fans will also be concerned about Areola coming back into the lineup.

Lopetegui had every reason to drop the 31-year-old after number of disappointing displays but he now has no other choice but to step up in Fabianski's absence.

In other West Ham news, a Hammers gem likened to Declan Rice could seal a “much-needed” loan in January.

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