WHZ View: Positive COVID test for Andriy Yarmolenko means West Ham lose super-sub
West Ham United forward Andriy Yarmolenko has tested positive for COVID-19 during the international break with Ukraine.
The winger will now miss the game against Sheffield United next week, as he will be forced to self-isolate before returning to action.
The 30-year-old did start against Poland last week, and in his last taste of action for two weeks, he missed a penalty in a defeat.
Yarmolenko has come off the bench multiple times this season.
David Moyes has used him as some-sort of super-sub at the London Stadium, coming on in five different matches in the Premier League.
It was the turn of Said Benrahma to come off the bench against Fulham, and Yarmolenko missed that one, meaning the Algerian could have jumped the pecking order.
The winger impressed against Liverpool, completing 100% of his dribbles according to WyScout and also winning 50% of his attacking duels.
The Ukrainian always adds positivity going forward when coming on, and Moyes will be without that for at least one game.
Replacement in waiting
Benrahma did come on against Fulham and had a big effect, to say the least.
The Algerian got his first extended test and was everywhere. After setting up the winner for Tomas Soucek, he then gave away a penalty.
Thankfully, Ademola Lookman thought he would try a panenka in which resulted in probably one of the worst penalties we have ever seen.
Moyes will be looking forward to handing more responsibility to his marquee signing this summer, and the same will be said for Benrahma.
The Irons may have lost Yarmolenko and a frequent substitution, but this is the perfect time for Benrahma to prove his worth.
In other West Ham United news, Irons beat competition to sign this Southend defender