Lopetegui and West Ham will be thrilled after new Brighton injury news emerges
West Ham United may have been handed an early Christmas present as they prepare to welcome Brighton on Saturday.
The Hammers have been under severe scrutiny this season and it feels like things go right for a game and then take two steps back in the next.
There have been games throughout the season such as their 2-0 victory over Newcastle on 25 November where Julen Lopetegui’s men have proven their worth.
Since then, however, they’ve only won one of their last four games across all competitions which is far from ideal.
Ahead of their game against the Seagulls, some injury news has emerged that revealed Danny Welbeck is still ruled out of the clash.
As per injury expert Ben Dinnery (19 December), the striker will not take part in the game due to the ankle injury he sustained in their 1-1 draw against Southampton on 29 November.
“Joel Veltman and Matt O’Riley will return to the matchday squad on Saturday, but Danny Welbeck is still struggling with the ankle injury he suffered against Southampton,” he wrote.
Why Danny Welbeck not playing is good news for West Ham United
While Fabian Hurzeler has Joao Pedro to lead his attacking line, it’s felt like former Manchester United man Welbeck has been pivotal to their successes this term.
This season alone, the attacker has appeared 16 times for Brighton and has contributed to eight goals in that time, which shows that despite being 34 years old, there’s plenty of gas left in his tank.
In the summer, Lopetegui massively bolstered his defensive ranks and even though there have been times when the likes of Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have taken like ducks to water, their performances have also left a lot to be desired on occasion.
One thing the Hammers won’t want to do on Saturday is to invite pressure from Hurzeler’s men.
And, now Brighton no longer have their talisman to lead the line, West Ham could perhaps sneak a win from their clash at the London Stadium on 21 December, which would be a perfect situation for all those involved.
In other West Ham news, a contract twist has emerged regarding the future of Guido Rodriguez.
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