David Moyes gives new Edson Alvarez timeline after West Ham United absence
West Ham boss David Moyes has said the club will wait to make a decision on Edson Alvarez’s involvement after the midfielder was omitted from the squad against Bournemouth having not trained.
The boss spoke to the media after the game on 12 August, where he explained that Alvarez had not yet taken part in a training session with the squad, which is why he was not involved in any capacity today.
Alvarez was officially announced as the Hammers’ first signing of the summer via the club website on 10 August and will join up with the squad for training next week, when Moyes says the club will assess him ahead of their next fixture.
Speaking to BBC Sport following West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, where he explained: “He [Alvarez] has not trained yet, so we’ll just need to wait and see, get him back training and we’ll make a decision as the days go on.”
Hoping to see him soon
The Mexican was not expected to feature against Bournemouth due to the fixture’s close proximity to his arrival, but West Ham fans will be eagerly awaiting his debut after the £32.8million transfer from Ajax. He will train throughout next week and could appear against Chelsea next week.
Moyes and his coaching staff will assess Alvarez’s level in his initial training sessions, although it is likely the new arrival will slot straight into their midfield due to the current lack of options at the club, and with Flynn Downes expected to move on loan to Southampton [Mark McAdam, 12 August].
The Hammers have been looking to reinforce their midfield after Declan Rice joined Arsenal earlier this summer and took their time over getting deals done, but will now hope to have their new arrival integrated ahead of their clash against Chelsea.
They will likely continue to be active in the transfer market in the coming days, with James Ward-Prowse expected through the door as a further midfield option, as they look to improve the quality of the squad overall.
In other West Ham news, the club have tabled a ‘blockbuster’ bid for a new forward.