Julen Lopetegui shares Emerson injury update after West Ham United draw v Fulham
Julen Lopetegui has shared an injury update on Emerson after the West Ham full-back was replaced against Fulham on Saturday (14 September).
The Italian defender was replaced by Vladimir Coufal after just 57 minutes, having gone down in writhing pain eight minutes before following a clash of knees.
Emerson has been a key player for the Hammers since arriving at the London Stadium in 2022 and will be keen to prove himself against his former team Chelsea on Saturday 21 September.
Speaking in his press conference, quoted by West Ham Football [15 September], Lopetegui said: “He suffered one big knock. He has pain. Let’s see. We’ll know more tomorrow.”
Emerson suffers knock in West Ham United v Fulham
Having come up against Adama Traore, one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League on his day, an injury would have been the last thing Emerson needed against the Cottagers.
Despite only notching one goal and two assists for the Irons last season, the 30-year-old is an extremely useful asset for Lopetegui to have, but his absence would not be the end of the world.
The addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the summer transfer market has provided the Spaniard with a new full-back option, one who can play on either side if needed.
While Emerson’s injury is a negative, much of the talk surrounding the London Stadium is currently positive after Danny Ings came on to score a last-gasp equaliser at Craven Cottage.
Although West Ham have only recorded one Premier League victory this season, with losses to Aston Villa and Manchester City, there is a strong belief that Lopetegui can lead the Hammers to success.
Of course, it is extremely early in the campaign, but the early signs are positive, especially after how David Moyes’ tenure ended last season.
In other West Ham news, Lopetegui was clearly right to drop one of his stars after a 0% substitute appearance v Fulham.
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