Jean-Clair Todibo set for fresh West Ham worry after recent Nuno developments
Jean-Clair Todibo has been a key member of the West Ham squad this season, but the French defender may have concerns over his future involvement.
Todibo has not started for the East London club since picking up a red card at Stamford Bridge.
Ultimately, the defender’s red card in defeat against Chelsea may have impacted much more than the three games he was forced to miss as a result.
The form of the Hammers in recent weeks has seen a sharp upturn, and that has been in the absence of the Frenchman, picking up five points from a possible nine since.
Now, Todibo could find himself on the fringes of the squad, when he was once one of West Ham’s first choices earlier in the campaign.
- Read more: Revisit the reaction to Todibo’s red card against Chelsea as pundits rage over the Frenchman
Why will Todibo struggle to push his way back into Nuno’s plans?
The new partnership of Axel Disasi and Konstantinos Mavropanos has been working a treat for Nuno Espirito Santo, who has seemingly found his new first-choice duo at centre-back.
Although they have played just three games together, the pair seem to have an understanding already, which has made scoring against the Hammers a more difficult task.
Since the two have shared the pitch, they have conceded only one goal in three games, keeping two clean sheets.
In contrast, Todibo has failed to keep a single clean sheet across all of his 18 appearances in the Premier League this season.
The backline’s solid structure is unlikely to be tweaked, and the relationship with Disasi and Mavropanos is only going to get stronger over the coming weeks.
Todibo, who was once one of the more important assets to West Ham, may now find himself as a rotation option from now until the end of the season.
Todibo could get FA Cup lifeline at West Ham
Risking West Ham’s survival chances by putting Todibo back into the starting lineup after the recent performances of Disasi and Mavropanos would be an unnecessary gamble by Nuno.
However, the currently out-of-favour Frenchman could find himself with an opportunity to prove himself in the FA Cup.
The Hammers host fellow Londoners Brentford at the London Stadium on 9 March, which surely opens the door to a few changes by the West Ham boss.
If Todibo impresses, he may open the door and return to his role in the backline for the rest of the season. It could very well be his final chance to continue in a starting position this season.
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