Chelsea v West Ham: Antonio Rudiger unlikely to feature
German defender Antonio Rudiger is unlikely to feature this weekend as Chelsea take on West Ham in the Premier League.
The centre-back was absent from the Chelsea squad for their meeting against Arsenal with a groin issue.
Thomas Tuchel has expressed fears that the central defender is unlikely to be available against the Hammers as well.
“Not good, I don’t think he will play against West Ham,” said Tuchel about Rudiger, as quoted by Evening Standard.
London derby
David Moyes shouldn’t be concerned with who misses out for Chelsea, rather he should focus on his own game plan.
The Hammers are also missing several key players, with the club currently without three central defenders.
Kurt Zouma was absent in the last two games while Issa Diop has also picked up an injury and he could miss the rest of the campaign.
There are suggestions that Declan Rice could be used in defence but the idea doesn’t appeal to Moyes. Rice is an inspirational figure in midfield and dropping him at the back hardly makes sense.
In all probability, the versatile Ben Johnson could be asked to partner with Craig Dawson at centre-back, with Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell operating on full-back roles.
Alternatively, Moyes can shift to a three-man defence to nullify the void.
The Hammers were disappointing in the 1-1 draw against Burnley and they need to improve their level of performance at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are heading into this game on the back of a 4-2 defeat against the Gunners.
In other West Ham news, the club needs to protest this outrageous UEFA decision regarding the Europa League final if they make it there.
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