Revealed: Why Alphonse Areola is not in West Ham United squad v Tottenham for Premier League clash
Alphonse Areola has not been named in West Ham United’s match-day squad for the clash with Tottenham because of a wrist injury, according to Malik Ouzia.
The Evening Standard journalist reported on their Twitter account on Thursday (7 December) that the Frenchman picked up the injury during training and is not expected to be sidelined for too long as it is a short-term problem.
Areola has been an ever-present part of David Moyes’ side in the Premier League this season, with Lukasz Fabianski instead limited to appearances in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, but the Polish international starts between the posts against Tottenham.
Ouzia wrote: “Areola has a wrist injury picked up in training. Not expected to be long-term.”
Good news
West Ham have had a torrid time with injuries of late, with the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Mohammed Kudus having various problems since the international break, but losing Areola could be one of the biggest blows yet.
The Frenchman has been in inspired form this season and has not only been one of the Irons’ best players but also one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers, so it will come as a relief to supporters that he shouldn’t be spending too long on the sidelines.
Fabianski is by no means a bad deputy however, the Polish international has impressed in the Europa League this season and has plenty of experience in the Premier League so will be able to fill in for Areola while he continues his recovery.
The games come thick and fast in the build-up to the festive period and Moyes will be hoping that the 30-year-old is able to play a part soon. If the Hammers have genuine ambitions of qualifying for Europe again this season, the run-up to Christmas could be integral to their campaign.
In other West Ham news, David Sullivan and Karren Brady are set to review Moyes’ position at the London Stadium