West Ham United: David Moyes shares update on Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna injuries
West Ham United could be facing another injury crisis in defence after David Moyes provided an update on Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna.
Ogbonna started the game in central defence but was forced off injured after just 22 minutes and was replaced by Dawson, who himself had to be replaced in the second half with a problem of his own.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, as quoted by Football.London [13 October], Moyes revealed both players were brought off as a precaution but they’re now seen as doubtful for Sunday’s clash with Southampton in the Premier League.
“Ogbonna I think has got a tight hamstring,” he said.
“Craig Dawson had a dead leg which he actually got on [Sunday], that’s why he didn’t start tonight. He came on and got it in the same part again so we just didn’t take any risk with it.”
Oh no
West Ham have been in terrific form recently with four wins on the bounce in all competitions, and it’s no coincidence that it coincided with the return of Dawson to the team.
His injury will be a big blow, and the fact that he had a dead leg on Sunday which meant he wasn’t selected for Thursday means his involvement this Sunday is even less likely now.
As for the veteran Italian defender, a hamstring injury is usually something that can keep a player out for between four and six weeks, which would obviously rule him out too.
With Nayef Aguerd already ruled out, that would leave Kurt Zouma and Thilo Kehrer as the only senior centre-back options while Ben Johnson can also fill in as he did against Anderlecht.
It’s likely now that Moyes will be forced to play Kehrer and Zouma, meaning Vladimir Coufal could return to the side at right-back for Sunday’s big game as they look to make it five wins on the bounce, but the big worry will be how long Dawson is ruled out for.