Joe Cole stunned as Ivan Rakitic ruled out of Sevilla v West Ham United clash at last minute
Joe Cole has been left stunned by the news that Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic has picked up an injury just before kick-off against West Ham United.
The Croatian international was dropped from the starting XI despite being initially named by Julien Lopetegui.
Cole labelled the news as “massive” for the Hammers ahead of the Europa League showdown in Spain.
Speaking live on BT Sports in the last 15 minutes (10 March, 5:30 pm) Cole was stunned by the news.
“He’s a fantastic player,” he said.
“He’s that quality, I watched him last season and he was their outstanding player. That’s massive for West Ham that.”
Massive.
Declan Rice has been welcomed back to our side this evening, and it is time to really turn the screw on Sevilla.
Rakitic is one of many injury worries for the Spanish side who have been decimated by their team news, and it is just getting worst.
Without one of their main men in the heart of their side, it is down to the likes of Rice and Tomas Soucek to use that to their advantage.
The Spaniards are already having to play a midfielder in the heart of their defence, so this is huge and it is down to the Hammers to take advantage of that.
This still won’t be an easy game by any means, but dominating these key areas will certainly help moving forward.
In other West Ham United, this player could be out until the final days of the season after a big injury development – ExWHUemployee
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