Tony Cottee gutted as ‘massive’ new West Ham injury emerges
Tony Cottee has predicted that Jarrod Bowen will be out for six weeks for West Ham after picking up a foot injury.
With the pressure mounting on Julen Lopetegui amid a run of poor season with the Hammers so far, the blow of losing Bowen is one that the boss doesn’t need.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of a clash against Manchester City, the manager was reluctant to put a clear time frame on Bowen’s recovery but seemed to play it down by speaking in days rather than weeks or months.
However, speaking live on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show (3 January, 8:55am), Cottee was much more blunt as he said: “He’s going to be out for six weeks, he’s broken a bone in his foot.
“We all know it takes six weeks at least to get back and that’s a massive miss for the club because he’s been their best player, apart from Wan-Bissaka, Jarrod Bowen’s probably been our best player this year.”
Jarrod Bowen a massive loss for West Ham
The pressure is continuing to mount on the shoulders of Lopetegui with his side sitting just six points above the relegation zone and therefore, January could be crucial in deciding the boss’ future.
Although the Spaniard will be hoping that his star player is back as soon as possible, he also has to be realistic during the January transfer window and ensure he is not leaving his side’s fortunes relying on a speedy recovery for Bowen.
The attacking player has registered five goals and four assists so far this term and with Michail Antonio also missing up-front through injury, the second half of the campaign could look bleak for Lopetegui’s side.
However, it is up to David Sullivan to work together with his appointment to allow the Irons to bring in the necessary additions to prove cover otherwise, it could be the 28-year-old’s omission that proves to be the end of Lopetegui.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are said to have been offered a star wanted by Aston Villa.
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