Tomas Soucek suspension will have Julen Lopetegui concerned at West Ham United
Julen Lopetegui will be wary of utilising Tomas Soucek for West Ham United after the midfielder picked up a suspension for Czechia in their 0-0 draw with Albania.
The 29-year-old started for his nation on Saturday (16 November) as his side fell to their second draw in a row in the UEFA Nations League.
Despite having a generally positive game, the Hammers midfielder picked up a yellow card which means he will be ruled out against Georgia (19 November) as he “reached for the ball in a dangerous area in vain” [iSport].
This could concern Lopetegui, who has had to contend with discipline issues already in the early stages of his spell at the London Stadium.
Julen Lopetegui to be wary of West Ham ace Tomas Soucek after Czechia suspension
Although it may represent a boost for the Spaniard that the midfielder won’t play a second game of the international break, picking up a suspension will likely frustrate him.
Edson Alvarez has been a main example of how silly decisions can hamper the Irons but the Mexico international doesn’t appear to have learned from his lessons.
The 27-year-old was sent off in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool before being sent off in the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest (2 November).
This somewhat proved that the ex-Ajax man hadn’t learned from his mistakes and as a result, the Hammers boss may be wary about Soucek after his ban on international duty.
The Czechia international has been a consistent operator in East London, cementing himself as a fan favourite in his four years at the club.
With that being said, Lopetegui and the Hammers supporters will be hopeful that the ex-Slavia Prague man learns from this mistake moving forward.
The last thing Lopetegui and the Irons need is for another player to be needlessly ruled out, much like Mohammed Kudus, as we enter a key part of the campaign.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui could revolutionise his midfield with this January transfer.
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