Jarrod Bowen update emerges ahead of West Ham clash v Newcastle United
Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have emerged as doubts for West Ham United to face Newcastle United on Monday, according to Claret and Hugh.
According to the Hammers news outlet’s website [25 November], several inside sources have confirmed the pair are doubtful to feature at St James’ Park.
Julen Lopetegui may be forced to tackle the first of two make-or-break clashes for his West Ham tenure [The Guardian] without two key stars against a Newcastle side who have enjoyed success in this fixture in recent years.
Julen Lopetegui faces an uphill battle at West Ham United
The Spaniard is hanging on by a thread in East London and could be about to see the floor fall out from under him if Bowen and Paqueta are unavailable to face Newcastle.
West Ham are already heading into this fixture with the options wearing thin – Mohammed Kudus is still serving his FA suspension for violent conduct and Niclas Fullkrug remains on the sidelines.
Therefore, Lopetegui could have only Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme, Danny Ings and Michail Antonio in his forward line – an undesirable blend of youth and experience.
Eddie Howe will be licking his lips once the team news is confirmed, as he will welcome Callum Wilson back into the first-team fold in the North East – the 32-year-old has scored 12 goals in his previous 14 outings against West Ham and will be eager to influence proceedings on Monday night.
Fortunately for Lopetegui, his side cannot drop further down the Premier League table after this weekend’s action, but still, with only a three-point gap to the relegation zone, he must find a way to pull off a masterstroke at St James’ Park.
A scenario exists wherein the Spaniard remains at the helm in East London heading into the New Year; however, the likelihood of this becoming a reality is wearingly thin. It is three points or bust for Lopetegui as he enters now-or-never territory.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui believes signing Youssef En-Neysri could save his job at the Irons in a £17m swoop.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.