Manuel Lanzini and Vladimir Coufal injured for West Ham
West Ham have been hit with a double injury blow after Manuel Lanzini and Vladimir Coufal missed the game v Newcastle due to injury.
Manager David Moyes hinted at a couple of fitness problems in the squad during his pre-game press conference on Friday, but refused to name the players affected.
It’s now emerged that the players he was speaking about were Lanzini and Coufal, with BT Sport reporting that they were left out of the squad entirely ‘due to injury’.
Moyes told BT Sport that Coufal had a ‘problem with his hernia’ while Lanzini ‘picked up a knock in training’.
They were replaced in the starting lineup by Said Benrahma and Ryan Fredericks against Newcastle and it’s unclear how long they’ll be out for.
Blow
Coufal and Lanzini are two of the more consistent players in the West Ham team under Moyes and it’s a big blow that they’re both missing.
Coufal’s ability to go in both directions down the right is huge for the balance of the team, with Bowen able to cut inside on his left foot but also stay a bit higher to trust his full-back.
As for Lanzini, he’s found good form since a switch to a slightly deeper role in midfield and has become a key part of Moyes’ side.
His absence means another chance for Benrahma to shine after showing glimpses of his ability this season, but he will want to kick on and show more of his quality.
West Ham need points from this game but they will be hopeful that they won’t be without their two regulars in the team for too long, or it could affect their top four chase.
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