By Sam Stone

6th Aug, 2022 | 7:00am

Alex Crook: Gianluca Scamacca not ready to feature in Premier League opener v Manchester City

West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca is unlikely to feature against Manchester City in the Hammers’ Premier League curtain raiser at the London Stadium according to Alex Crook.

The 23-year-old striker joined the Hammers for £32.4million this summer as David Moyes finally added some competition to Michail Antonio in the striking department.

However, it appears that Hammers fans will have to wait with talkSPORT reporter Crook suggesting that the Italian international is not quite ready for Premier League action.

Crook said on talkSPORT’s GameDay Podcast (4 August, 17:04): “No [he won’t feature], from what I’m hearing he’s still getting up to match sharpness.

“It’s going to be a while before West Ham fans see the best of him.”

Shame

This is a real shame for West Ham fans, who would’ve been eager to see their new striker in action against City.

However, easing him into proceedings at the London Stadium is the right move from the club and Moyes.

There’s no way to put it lightly but West Ham are playing their toughest game of the season on Sunday (7 August) and it’s certainly not the best game for the striker to get up to speed in the Premier League, especially if he isn’t fit.

Throwing a new signing in to face Manchester City could do his confidence no favours and would not be the ideal start for his West Ham career.

Scamacca has signed a long-term deal at the London Stadium so Moyes must give him time to adjust to the English game.

It’s going to be intriguing to see how West Ham’s new striker gets on in his first season in England.

His performances in Italy and on the international stage should certainly raise the excitement levels around the London Stadium for the coming season.

West Ham fans may have another new signing to look forward to with Crook also revealing (via Twitter, 5 August) that Maxwel Cornet could also be signed in time to face City this weekend.