Confirmed – Injured West Ham ace has ‘very good chance’ of playing v Arsenal
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has a “very good chance” of featuring for the Hammers this weekend, according to manager David Moyes.
The Scot takes his side to face Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, and will be hoping to build on the 3-1 victory over Southampton last weekend.
It had been assumed that 25-year-old loanee Soucek would not be available for the encounter after picking up a muscle complaint in the 3-2 defeat against Liverpool at the end of February.
But Moyes has delivered a positive update on the player, claiming that he could be in line for a speedy return against the Gunners.
As quoted by Football.London, Moyes said in a press conference on Friday: “Tomas has got a very good chance for this weekend.”
Soucek has made three Premier League appearances for the Hammers since arriving on a temporary deal from Slavia Prague during the January transfer window.
How much of a boost will this be for West Ham?
Potentially, this could be a really good thing for the Hammers.
Coming into this clash off the back of that impressive display against Southampton last time out, the hope will be that they can continue this slight reinvigoration with a big result against their London rivals.
And having a player like Soucek available will only help them in that regard.
The Czech is a rangy, physical presence in the centre of the park, and provides a much needed impetus for the Irons.
Over the course of his three matches in England he has averaged 20.74 duels won and 9.78 interceptions per game, as per Wyscout.
By comparison, Mark Noble has registered 14.16 duels won per game and 2.76 interceptions per game, as per Wyscout.
Soucek brings some much needed bite to the table, and in a relegation battle like this one, that could be crucial.
In other West Ham news, ‘Absolute nightmare’ – Dean Ashton delivers ‘strong’ verdict on Hammers talent.