Lopetegui will not be in dugout for West Ham v Arsenal as sack update emerges
Julen Lopetegui will not be in the dugout for West Ham versus Arsenal on Saturday due to suspension after receiving his third yellow card of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
The Spaniard geared his side up for a great win against Newcastle United on Monday night [25 November] as they put in a professional display to win the game 2-0.
However, as the Hammers look ahead to a tough test against Arsenal, Lopetegui will find himself away from the action after a lively reaction in the first half led him to receive his third yellow card so far reported by the Daily Mail in their print edition [26 November, page 72].
Nevertheless, the 58-year-old will no doubt feel relieved to be expected to go into this one still in a job after three points last night which has surely quietened any doubts about his immediate future.
Lopetegui safe at West Ham for now
Though many were expecting the game against Newcastle to be the end of the road for the West Ham boss, a professional display from his side has surely secured his future at the London Stadium for another week.
However, with a difficult opponent in Arsenal to come, Lopetegui will no doubt be disappointed to miss being in the dugout for this one as this could affect his ability to have a meaningful impact on his team throughout the game.
Despite saving himself for now, plenty of questions still hang over where the manager’s future lies and whether one win is enough to change the tide and send his team on a run is yet to be seen.
With a dugout suspension to come, Lopetegui could end up watching his final game as West Ham boss from the stands if his side loses on Saturday which would be some cruel foreshadowing for the man under pressure.
In other West Ham news, the preferred destination of one first-team player who is seeking an exit in January has been revealed.
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.