Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Sun 22 March 2026 8:10, UK

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes will be worried after Unai Emery confirmed Youri Tielemans is back in training.

The 28-year-old has been out injured since January, but unfortunately for Nuno Espirito Santo, he could now feature against West Ham.

Fernandes, who has been one of the Irons’ best players this campaign, will not like hearing that news, as the Belgian loves to face the E20 outfit.

Additionally, the Portuguese midfielder’s previous history against Tielemans does not inspire much hope either.

Ahead of West Ham’s trip to Villa Park, both the Hammers and the 21-year-old will hope he has a limited involvement.

How Youri Tielemans has previously punished West Ham

Tielemans often wins the midfield battle against the Hammers. In 14 appearances against the E20 outfit, he has picked up seven goal contributions with two goals and five assists.

Already this season, the Belgian has punished Nuno’s side, as he provided an assist to Morgan Rogers as West Ham lost 3-2 at London Stadium.

There is hope that Tielemans will not be ready for the Villans, with Emery stating: “I don’t know if he will be in the squad for Sunday.”

However, Fernandes will be hoping he does not feature based on his history against the 28-year-old.

West Ham already have enough worries, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely key to stopping Morgan Rogers.

Why Mateus Fernandes will hope Tielemans is not ready vs West Ham

While the Portuguese midfielder scored in the reverse fixture, he also had a tough day at the office in the centre of the pitch.

Fernandes struggled to deal with the physicality of Tielemans, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara on the day, winning just three of his 16 duels, an 18 per cent win rate.

The West Ham star was also dribbled past five times and committed three fouls. He also committed an error leading to a shot.

Additionally, this was not just a one-off occasion either. For Southampton in the Premier League last season, Fernandes struggled to compete against a midfield containing the Belgian.

Over two games in 2024-2025, the former Saints man won just four of his 10 ground duels.

For much of the season, Fernandes has been one of West Ham’s most consistent performers, but against Tielemans he has a history of struggling.

Hopefully, the Belgian is not ready to feature, and if he does, Fernandes must shirk his past issues.