Was Edvin Austbo axed for controversial comments? And will West Ham new signing return vs Millwall?

Edvin Austbo has had quite the dramatic start to life as a West Ham United player.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder joined as a late deadline-busting summer transfer addition from Viking last month.

His first three Championship appearances have produced a goal and an assist too.

That's despite the fact he's only culminated a total of 82 minutes on the pitch for the Hammers so far.

However, recent comments about wanting to reach a point where West Ham will need to sell him rubbed some supporters up the wrong way.

As a result, his total omission from the Carabao Cup clash with Fulham prompted speculation that these words were the reason for it.

What Nuno Espirito Santo was thinking with Edvin Austbo Fulham call

West Ham could perhaps have done with Austbo against Fulham, as the Cottagers ran out narrow 3-2 winners of course.

As silence largely remained over Austbo's disappearance from the Hammers' squad, the fuel for speculation only increased.

But now, it appears though those flames have been put out in a fresh update on Thursday.

The West Ham Way reports that Austbo's absence against Fulham was "purely down to selection".

It's claimed the club have said that it was in no way related to his aforementioned comments about being sold eventually.

The report adds that Nuno Espirito Santo simply desired to reward a host of different players who shone against Southampton.

As such, it's claimed that Austbo is expected to be back involved against Millwall on Saturday.

Nuno will have a tough decision on his hands though, as one of Jarrod Bowen, Manor Solomon or Divine Mukasa would surely have to make way for Austbo.

Austbo's West Ham situation isn't the only one that's been cleared up on Thursday either.

Why has Alphonse Areola been missing from West Ham squad?

In danger of becoming a forgotten man at West Ham, Alphonse Areola is yet to make a competitive appearance in 2026-27.

The 33-year-old Frenchman's future at the London Stadium looks highly uncertain to say the least.

Despite that, it doesn't appear to have been a transfer-related reason as to why he's not been seen in a matchday squad since the 2-1 loss to Charlton on 22 August.

The West Ham Way's report also reveals that a West Ham club source has told them the reason for Areola's absence is injury-related.

It's claimed that the issue he's been suffering with is a calf problem, but that he should be ready to make his return to training "very soon."