Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sat 11 October 2025 13:30, UK

Nuno Espirito Santo has been handed a striking conundrum just weeks into his tenure as West Ham boss.

West Ham appointed Nuno at the end of September, after Graham Potter had led the Hammers to a terrible start to the season.

And the Portuguese coach has faced a tough start, with the Irons earning a point from difficult away trips to Everton and Arsenal.

Now, with Julian Nagelsmann confirming that Niclas Fullkrug has suffered an injury, Nuno has been forced to deal with a further issue.

West Ham signed Callum Wilson in the summer, and the 33-year-old is expected to battle it out with young Callum Marshall to lead the Hammers in Fullkrug‘s absence.

Nuno Espirito Santo must decide between experience and potential

Marshall impressed for West Ham in pre-season, scoring against both Grasshoppers and Ipswich Town.

The 20-year-old had enjoyed a strong season in League One with Huddersfield Town, and after starring in pre-season, was expected to play a part for Potter‘s team.

But after five Premier League games, Marshall had made the squad just twice and was yet to play even a minute of action.

Instead, his minutes came for the Under-21s, scoring four goals and providing an assist in just three appearances.

Alternatively, Wilson, who spent much of his last season at Newcastle United on the injury table, had featured in five Premier League games, notching a goal against Nottingham Forest.

But, interestingly, when given the choice of both strikers, Nuno opted to bring Marshall on against Arsenal on Saturday.

The youngster did not leave any impression on the dominant duo of William Saliba and Gabriel, but Nuno’s preference for the less-experienced option was interesting.

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Nuno should opt for the unknown in Niclas Fullkrug absence

Wilson has not necessarily been poor this season so far. The striker took his goal well, presents a strong ability to dribble, and has won nearly half of his duels.

But that is likely all the 33-year-old will be able to produce – he is not a unknown quantity, having spent the vast majority of his career in the Premier League.

In Marshall, however, West Ham have something new, something fresh. The striker is quick, technically able, and has a keen eye for the goal.

The Premier League may well be too much for the 20-year-old, and his chance in the first team goes as quickly as it came.

But the Hammers will never know if they do not give him that chance. Nuno must do something West Ham have so often failed to do, and take a risk.

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