View: West Ham must be cautious with Kurt Zouma
West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has declared himself fit to play against Watford in the Premier League tomorrow (January 8).
The Frenchman was moving gingerly in the latter stages of the Hammers FA Cup clash with Kidderminster Harriers last time out which was a cause for concern for David Moyes.
However, the 27-year-old has chosen not to undergo a scan and has instead declared himself fit to play according to Claret & Hugh.
The Hammers face a huge risk with Zouma having nearly injured himself as well as playing the full 120 minutes against Kidderminster having not long come back from a long term injury.
Dangerous
To listen to a player rather than go through the necessary process is a big risk, especially given his history.
Zouma has only just come back from a long-term injury where his absence was hugely missed and now West Ham are willing to risk the defensive powerhouse again.
It might not be as bad as they first expected but Zouma should still go for a scan and follow all of the precautions set by the medical staff.
He will be desperate to play every game having spent most of the season on the sidelines but throwing the centre-back fully into the fold too early is very dangerous.
His injury against Kidderminster should be a wake-up call for Moyes and co and a stern reminder of just how important the former Chelsea player is to the Hammers defence.
The team really struggled without him and if he is out injured for any more games this season, they could struggle to reach their targets for the season.
Hammers will be sick to the teeth of hearing it, but this is yet another issue that could have been resolved through investments in January.
His presence in defence will be a huge boost for the game against Watford, hopefully, he walks off the pitch unscathed.
In other Irons news, WHZ View: Predicted West Ham starting XI v Watford.