International manager breaks silence on Vladimir Coufal confusion amid West Ham United absence
Czech Republic manager Tomáš Pešir has revealed he is in constant contact with West Ham over Vladimir Coufal’s fitness ahead of their European Championship qualifier against Poland.
Despite missing the Hammers’ last two Premier League fixtures, the 30-year-old was called up to the national team squad.
Claret & Hugh suggested (15 March) the right-back would return from his heel injury after the international break, but Pesir has since added to the confusion and revealed the West Ham man is doing “everything” he can to be ready for the clash against Poland.
“Vladimir had health problems with his heel, but at the moment he is doing everything to be ready for Friday,” said the Czech Republic boss (Idnes, 20 March).
“We are in daily contact with West Ham, we exchange information and we believe that he will be ready for the match against Poland on Friday.”
Strange
This doesn’t quite sit right does it? Coufal has suddenly recovered from his injury just in time to play for his country, despite missing West Ham’s last two Premier League fixtures. Considering he’s been out of action, the board should’ve done everything possible to stop the Czech Republic boss from using the full-back on Friday (24 March).
Coufal has had a poor season, there’s no getting away from that, but he’s still an excellent option for David Moyes to utilise from now until the end of the campaign. West Ham are in a position where they need leaders and Coufal is exactly that.
If this injury is reaggravated on international duty, then serious questions need to be asked. The club’s Premier League status is at risk and needless and avoidable injury situations can’t impact Moyes’ squad. The Hammers are now in the middle of an extended break due to Manchester City’s FA Cup commitments and the international break.
It could give the West Ham boss the perfect chance to get to work with his players on the training ground and finally grind out a consistent run of results when the Premier League resumes next month.