Daniel Feliciano

Tue 5 April 2022 10:15, UK

West Ham manager David Moyes will make a late decision on the fitness of Ben Johnson for the Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon on Thursday.

The young full-back made his England Under-21 debut during the recent international break, but returned with a hamstring injury and missed the win over Everton on Sunday.

Vladimir Coufal was on the bench for the game after a hernia operation and could return to the team also, but for now, it seems as though Ryan Fredericks could be the man to start in their huge European clash, according to Evening Standard.

Described as a ‘liability‘, Fredericks played relatively well at the weekend and made a massive challenge on Dominic Calvert-Lewin at one point to deny a big chance.

Johnson’s injury is not believed to be too serious and Moyes is hopeful that the 22-year-old will be available to play, but his current status is uncertain.

Huge opportunity

West Ham have got a huge opportunity to make European history this week when they face Lyon at the London Stadium and they need everyone to be at their best.

Moyes has never been afraid to throw players straight back into the firing line, as he proved with Jarrod Bowen at the weekend and he was rewarded with a goal.

But he must be careful not to do it too much and risk weakening his team if they’re not completely ready, so Johnson could find himself on the bench.

Fans will be hoping that one of Coufal or Johnson are fit enough to start because Fredericks has struggled more than he’s shone for the Hammers and will surely be targeted by the Lyon attack if he plays.

But if he does play, the fans must get behind him and show him support because with the crowd behind him hopefully, he will be able to cut out any silly mistakes and be the solid defender we need.

In other West Ham news, John Terry tells West Ham how they can keep Declan Rice

Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.