Roshane Thomas shares why Edson Alvarez is missing from West Ham United v Sheffield United

Roshane Thomas has reported that Edson Alvarez is missing from the Premier League clash between West Ham and Sheffield United as he is still sidelined with a calf injury.

The Athletic journalist shared the news via his Twitter account on 21 January, after there were some hopes that he would return to the starting lineup today.

However, with his injury persisting, a future date will be set for his probable return, although there is reason to be pleased with Jarrod Bowen making a speedy recovery from his knock.

A big loss for the Hammers

Alvarez plays such a crucial role in the midfield for David Moyes, and without his destructive influence breaking up play and recycling possession, the midfield can often look weak and lost, particularly defensively.

The likes of James Ward-Prowse and Thomas Soucek don't quite provide that combative presence in the middle of the park, or the screen in front of the defensive line, and it has been proven when Alvarez has missed games how much they rely on his presence.

However, if he was going to be missing from any Premier League game, you'd take it against the side at the bottom of the table rather than in a more difficult clash which would provide more of a tough test to the Hammers' campaign.

That's not to say Sheffield United won't provide a test, they look more competitive with Chris Wilder at the helm, but it's one they would expect to win even without the presence of Alvarez in midfield, and it's better he gets all the recovery he needs to return at the top of his game.

In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano shared a new Kalvin Phillips update.