Pablo Fornals may finally be handed West Ham United chance v Nottingham Forest amid Jarrod Bowen injury scare
West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals could finally be handed a chance to impress David Moyes against Nottingham Forest, after an injury scare to key man Jarrod Bowen ahead of Saturday’s crucial fixture.
The Hammers are on a torrid run of form of late, winning just once since the World Cup break leaving them sitting in the relegation places on just 20 points from 23 games.
With Moyes’ position as boss in serious jeopardy [The Times, 20 February], he could now be without his star man Bowen ahead of a must-win game for the East Londoners.
According to GiveMeSport [23 February], both Bowen and Lucas Paqueta are unlikely to return in time for the crunch clash against Nottingham Forest.
With Moyes already facing increasing pressure of the Hammers’ torrid form and position in the Premier League table, not having two of his star names has certainly made his job ten times harder.
Bowen and Paqueta’s injury means West Ham will desperately need alternative creativity in the midfield to supply either Michail Antonio or Danny Ings and Moyes may finally call upon Fornals who has struggled for consistent game time all season.
The Spanish playmaker has only started just 11 English top-flight games this season, whilst scoring four goals all season in all competitions.
While the 27-year-old has flattered to deceive on a number of occasions this season, it has been down to his fluctuating opportunities. But, with Bowen and Paqueta reportedly out of action, the Hammers and the club fans may now be relying on him to impress now more than ever.
Fornals certainly possesses the required quality to win the club points on his own, but it’s a shame he doesn’t show it consistently.
Harnessing the unique capabilities to create goals out of nothing, link exceptionally well with his attacking teammates and also the ability to score goals himself, the club desperately need those innovative qualities this weekend.
He may also be playing for his immediate future at the London Stadium, with his contract expiring in 2024.