Jean-Clair Todibo ‘in contention’ to start for West Ham v Liverpool amid Julen Lopetegui concern
Jean-Clair Todibo is “in contention” to start for West Ham against Liverpool on Wednesday 25 September, according to Roshane Thomas.
The journalist wrote via The Athletic (25 September) that Lopetegui could hand Todibo just his second start since arriving at the club.
West Ham travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
As reported by the Mail Online (25 September), Lopetegui has been reluctant to play Todibo due to concerns over his lack of fitness.
Julen Lopetegui to start Jean-Clair Todibo for West Ham v Liverpool?
Many supporters will likely be surprised about Todibo’s lack of playing time at the London Stadium.
The Hammers beat off fierce competition from Juventus for the defender’s signature, signing him on loan from OGC Nice with an obligation to make the deal permanent for £34million next summer (via BBC Sport, 10 August).
Therefore, many would have expected him to slot straight into the starting lineup and become a key player for Lopetegui. However, the Frenchman has thus far been third-choice behind Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
That centre-back pairing hasn’t quite worked, with Lopetegui making a shaky start to life as West Ham boss. Following the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at the London Stadium on Saturday (21 September), the club have lost their first three consecutive home league games for the first time in their history.
A win against the Reds would be the perfect way to bounce back. However, it won’t be easy, with Arne Slot’s side in fine form.
Therefore, should Todibo come in and excel, he might finally be able to prove Lopetegui’s concerns wrong and nail down a starting position.
In other West Ham news, the club have made a Jonathan David request as a Lille exit update emerges.
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