David Moyes gives Aaron Cresswell fitness update
David Moyes has admitted that he doesn’t know when Aaron Cresswell will be fit enough to return, but says West Ham are ‘missing him’.
The Hammers crashed out of the Carabao Cup to Tottenham on Wednesday night after a 2-1 defeat, where Moyes was forced to play a changed team due to injuries and illness.
One of those absentees was Cresswell, who has been absent with a back problem since the defeat to Manchester City in November.
Following the defeat, Moyes spoke to the media (Football.London) and gave a fitness update on the 32-year-old defender.
“I don’t know, I can’t give you an answer. We are missing him,” he said.
Problem
With the fixtures about to come thick and fast over the holiday period, Cresswell’s absence is a definite issue for Moyes and West Ham.
His ability to play at left-back or even as a third centre-back in a back five has been hugely influential to the Hammers’ recent success.
Defensively solid, Cresswell is also a leader in the dressing room, a fan favourite and a solid set-piece delivery expert which makes him a threat to the opposition.
Arthur Masuaku and Ben Johnson have had good seasons so far but neither offer the stability of Cresswell yet and that’s why they’ve struggled for form, winning just once since his injury.
With no timeline for his return yet, the Hammers need to find a way to secure themselves defensively again to secure results otherwise they risk letting their top four aspirations go up in smoke.
In other West Ham news, ‘classy’ star explains new role in Hammers team.