Andriy Yarmolenko trained four times in three weeks before West Ham goal
Andriy Yarmolenko was only able to train four times for West Ham since late February before his emotional scoring return, reports The Athletic.
The Ukrainian forward was in tears after netting the first in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa, in his first appearance since the Russian invasion of his home country.
The former Borussia Dortmund man has understandably been more concerned with the safety of his family, but he has been receiving support from his club in various ways, particularly from Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
Roshane Thomas writes in The Athletic: “[Yarmolenko] was embraced by his team-mates and after the full-time whistle Lukasz Fabianski ran the length of the field to hug his friend.
“When the forward finished his post-match interview duties, he received a standing ovation in the dressing room.”
David Moyes also said after the game: “Karren Brady has been on the phone offering help and trying to make sure we can do the right things for him.
“He has family in Ukraine, family here and family in Poland. Fabianski has been a real help there, a real team effort.”
The Athletic’s Thomas goes on: “Since February 26, the forward has only trained four times.
“The constant reminders of trouble in his country and concerns over the safety of his wife, Inna, and three sons, have been far too challenging.”
High emotion
In light of the destruction of his home country it would be no surprise if the 32-year-old was in no frame of mind to participate for the Hammers at all.
But sometimes the chance to block out the rest of life and just do what a player does best by playing football can provide a slight respite.
While it can’t make the reality of the situation any less distressing, it can offer some comfort to have the strong support of his colleagues and the fans.
The emotion that was on show from Yarmolenko upon coming up with a big goal for his side made plain the gravity of his situation currently.
A round of applause from his teammates when he got back to the dressing room would have showed him what an achievement the goal was.
Scoring in the Premier League isn’t the easiest of tasks at the best of times, but carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders at the same time would make it that much harder.
The role of keeper Fabianski cannot be understated, and with the club thought to be looking to bring in West Brom’s Sam Johnstone, the Pole has given a reminder of his all-round value to the club.
In other West Ham news, one important player could be on his way back to his former club.
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