Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Wed 8 April 2026 14:40, UK

West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed that Alphonse Areola is fit to play against Wolves this Friday, which gives him an easy goalkeeper selection.

Areola was taken off in the 120th minute of the Hammers’ FA Cup quarter-final loss to Leeds United last weekend, with a suspected ankle issue.

The Frenchman was replaced by young goalkeeper Fin Herrick, who almost became the hero as the Irons lost against Daniel Farke’s side on penalties.

Areola has been battling for a starting spot in the Premier League with Mads Hermansen with the latter currently favoured by Nuno.

However, with Areola ready to start against Wolves, there should be no doubt in the West Ham boss’ mind over who to go with.

Why should Alphonse Areola play vs Wolves?

Ally McCoist shrugged Areola’s injury off as unserious, and perhaps he was right, as the shot-stopper went down with cramp initially.

Despite the experienced keeper being unable to feature in the shootout, he did have a tremendous game, and kept Nuno’s side in the game until the last kick.

As seen in the table above, Areola prevented West Ham from conceding another goal, with his first-half save to deny Anton Stach a big moment in the contest.

Hermansen has been shaky since arriving at the London Stadium, and although he does offer some ability that Areola does not, the experience of the latter should leave Nuno with no doubt on who to start.

The Hammers are in a relegation battle, and Areola knows his way around one.

As highlighted by Christopher Reid on X this Thursday, Nuno has confirmed that Areola and team-mate Axel Disasi are both fit, with Crysencio Summerville making good progress.

Max Kilman set for bench vs Wolves

Nuno also confirmed that Konstantinos Mavropanos has passed concussion protocols, which means he is now eligible to face Wolves.

Max Kilman had another poor game for West Ham against Leeds, and sounds of boos were directed towards the Englishman for his performance last time out.

It’s starting to get toxic between fans and the former Wolves defender, and playing him against his former club in an important game would not be good for his headspace.

Mavropanos has also had his struggles at times, but is a soldier and someone whom Nuno knows he can depend on for the last seven league games of the campaign.