(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Wed 11 March 2026 9:10, UK

West Ham will know that their chances of Premier League survival take a drastic hit if Crysencio Summerville’s injury is serious.

Nuno decided to keep his star winger on the field during West Ham’s FA Cup victory over Brentford on Monday, despite him seemingly struggling with injury.

The Dutchman has been on fire for the Hammers recently, and is arguably in his best form since arriving at the London Stadium two seasons ago.

Summerville’s injury scare will leave Nuno already planning contingencies should the worst-case scenario present itself, as Adama Traore may be in those plans.

Nuno tested Adama Traore at left-wing vs Brentford

Summerville was reportedly set for a scan on Tuesday that may determine the severity of his setback, with early suggestions claiming it could just be a knock.

However, if the 24-year-old’s issue is even worse than first feared, Nuno has already seen how Traore can get on in the winger’s position.

• West Ham signed Traore from Fulham for a dela that can rise to £2million
• He has played five league games for the Hammers so far.

Traore is naturally a right-winger and has played there all his career, but against Brentford, Nuno played him on the left flank.

Apart from the Spaniard, Nuno only has Keiber Lamadrid as another left-side attacking option who could really make a difference.

According to Sofascore, Traore averaged a 7.2 rating for his 45-minute performance against the Bees, an experiment which could be very useful for Nuno.

What lesson did Nuno learn about Ollie Scarles?

Ollie Scarles has been in and out of Nuno’s team since he arrived, and is a prime example of how the West Ham boss is willing to give chances to youngsters.

The left-back started against Brentford, but like Traore, was hooked at halftime. However, his performance has gathered some mixed reviews on social media, with some hailing him for a goal-line clearance.

But others have suggested that the Rush Green talent isn’t quite ready for first-team action just yet, especially with the Hammers battling for Premier League survival.

Though Scarles looks to have all the potential to make it in the Premier League, Malick Diouf is surely ahead of him in Nuno’s pecking order right now.

The 20-year-old has made an impact with performances this season, but may have to bide his time for a big role at the London Stadium.