Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Cresswell doubtful for West Ham United clash v Liverpool
David Moyes has confirmed West Ham duo Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Cresswell are doubtful for the weekend clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
The Hammers came from behind to beat Backa Topola 3-1 in the Europa League, but Cresswell suffered a hamstring injury in the game while Bowen missed it entirely due to a virus.
Now the boss has confirmed that they could miss the game with Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, although there are no other injury issues within the squad.
“Jarrod Bowen has had a virus, so we’ll need to see how he is,” he said, as quoted by injury expert Ben Dinnery.
“But the others we seem okay.
“Aaron Cresswell felt his hamstring last night so we’ll see how he is today, but otherwise, we’re okay.”
Blow
Losing Bowen or such a big game would be a massive blow considering the form we have been in and the style of football we’re likely to play in the game.
Going to Anfield means we will essentially have to concede possession and be defensively strong while countering quickly and clinically – something Bowen absolutely shines at.
Alongside Michail Antonio we have been excellent going forward this season, but this could be an opportunity for Mohammed Kudus to come into the side and make an immediate impact after his goal in the Europa League.
As for Cresswell, he has been relegated to second-choice behind Emerson Palmieri but a hamstring injury usually means around six weeks out which will see the load on the Italian increased.
That’s not ideal obviously in such a crowded schedule, so it will have to be seen how we manage it in the coming weeks or if he is able to return quicker than that.
In other West Ham news, decision made on future of first-team academy graduates out of contract in 2024.