Levi Laing returns to West Ham United after knee injury
West Ham United loanee Levi Laing has returned to the Irons from Cheltenham Town to undergo exploration into a knee injury, according to Jon Palmer.
The Gloucester Live journalist reported via X on Thursday (24 October) that the Hammers youngster has been back with the Irons having picked up a knock during the Robins’ win over Colchester United on Saturday (19 October).
Laing was introduced at halftime as Michael Flynn’s side picked up their fourth League Two win of the season to put a six-point gap between themselves in the relegation zone.
Where did Levi Laing go after exiting West Ham and London Stadium on loan?
It is slightly worrying that Laing could have picked up a bad injury as it felt as though the 21-year-old was just beginning to find his feet with the Robins again after a difficult start to life in the West Country.
The centre-back was a regular fixture under Flynn at the start of the season, starting four consecutive matches at the start of August, but had lost his place up until the win over Colchester on Saturday.
This season feels like the 21-year-old’s last chance to stake his claim for a place in the Hammers’ first team. At his age, players are expected to be knocking on the door of Julen Lopetegui’s squad and Laing won’t be able to do that unless he shows he has what it takes to impress at League One level.
Hopefully, his knee injury isn’t too bad and the Hammers are only looking at it as a precautionary measure. In an ideal world, he will be able to play the remainder of the campaign with Cheltenham Town before a decision is taken about his long-term future at the London Stadium.
If the decision is taken to cut his loan spell with the Robins short, it will be interesting to see whether or not West Ham secure him another loan when January rolls around.
Laing needs to be playing regular senior football to kick on in his development rather than spending another campaign in the Premier League 2.
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