Anthony Onifade

Sat 6 January 2024 20:40, UK

West Ham United starlet Divin Mubama could be in line for a rare start against Bristol City in their FA Cup clash on Sunday, according to Claret & Hugh.

The reliable Hammers journalists shared on their page (6 January) that the academy graduate looks set to lead the line against the Championship outfit after a fresh injury blow on Michail Antonio.

The Telegraph reported on 6 January that Antonio has suffered another injury setback after a slip in training at Rush Green, and will now miss the rest of January which means Mubama could start in Sunday’s game.

It is also believed that the Hammers may be keeping Danny Ings out of action to avoid any injuries ahead of a possible January exit.

Chance

Another three weeks added to the two months Antonio has already missed will come as a bitter blow to West Ham, especially during a month where they will also miss Mohammed Kudus, who has travelled to the African Cup of Nations with the Ghana squad.

Kudus’ absence would have opened the path for the Jamaican to return to first-team action, with Jarrod Bowen moving back into his more natural right-sided position rather than the experimental striker role Moyes has tried in recent weeks.

The Hammers are indeed desperately short on options and quality up front right now with Ings’ future at the club now looking incredibly bleak.

Mubama has been resigned to eight bit-part roles so far this campaign and just one start which came in the Europa League but the FA Cup may provide him with the platform he needs to impress Moyes at the London Stadium.

A test against Championship opposition should be one he grasps with both hands, especially considering the club are desperate to get him to sign a new deal. What better way for both parties to continue their union than with Mubama wowing Moyes and the West Ham United crowd on their way to another victory?

In other West Ham news, one player has reacted to Chelsea and Arsenal transfer links.