Alphonse Areola injury update confirmed after West Ham United v Manchester City
West Ham United ace Alphonse Areola was replaced at half-time against Manchester City as he was injured, Julen Lopetegui has confirmed.
Despite losing the game 3-1, one of the main talking points of the defeat was Areola being substituted for Lukasz Fabianski during the break.
Speaking after the game to BBC Sport, Lopetegui provided an update on the issue.
“He had one problem in the half with his back. That’s why we changed,” he said.
West Ham United injury news on Alphonse Areola
Of all the players in the squad, Areola has had to work his way to earn his role.
And, despite there being talks of players arriving for all other areas of West Ham’s team, Areola’s spot was never questioned.
He has been a stellar addition to the Hammers’ squad and helps shore up their defensive line tenfold.
Despite being part of a defence that had the fourth-worst defensive record in the league last term, thanks to the arrivals of players such as Max Kilman and former Manchester United target Jean Clair-Todibo [HITC, 10 August] Lopetegui’s men look to be in a much stronger place defensively.
However, without their star keeper commanding their back line, it feels as if the Hammers are somewhat exposed at the back.
Although no time frame has been given for Areola’s return, there’s no doubt that West Ham fans will be vying for the return of their keeper sooner rather than later.
In other West Ham news, some last-minute red tape emerged around Maxwel Cornet’s late move to Southampton on deadline day
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