Pablo’s value at West Ham only rising despite recent injury issues – here’s why
West Ham United have badly missed winter signing Pablo while he has been out injured in recent weeks.
The Brazilian last played for the Hammers against Burnley at the start of February, coming off the bench in the second half of a 2-0 win at Turf Moor.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo then confirmed that he was set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a calf injury.
Pablo has missed three games so far, against Manchester United, Burton Albion and Bournemouth, and is set to be unavailable for the upcoming trip to Liverpool as well.
Nuno Espirito Santo gives update on Pablo injury
West Ham continue their fight for Premier League survival on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
The Hammers have lost just one of their last eight games across all competitions, and are now just two points adrift of safety.
However, Nuno has confirmed that Pablo is not fit to face Arne Slot’s side, and still hasn’t returned to full training with the group.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Portuguese boss didn’t give a specific return date, but did highlight the attacker’s importance to the team.
Nuno said: “[Pablo] didn’t join us yet [in full training]. He’s starting his individual programme, so he’s improving day by day, and we will keep assessing him.
“[His return] depends on how he adapts to the loads. Hopefully he’s back soon. We miss him.”
A look at the impact Pablo’s had on West Ham
Pablo only played five games for the Hammers in the Premier League before his injury, but he made a big difference to their style of play.
The former Gil Vicente man is over six feet tall and a big presence in attack, averaging 2.2 aerial duels won in the top-flight.
He is also very important in terms of pressing from the front, completing 2.2 recoveries and 1.8 tackles per game.
The Hammers have struggled going forward while Pablo has been out, scoring just twice in the three games he has missed, despite one of those matches coming against League One Burton.
Nuno has made no secret of the fact that he is missing the winter signing, whose value to the side is increasing by the day, even while he is on the sidelines.
For more expert analysis and news on West Ham United, check out Football Insider.