Insider says West Ham have been dealt a cruel injury blow as star is ruled out of Lyon clash and potential replacement named

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Insider says West Ham have been dealt a cruel injury blow as Hammers star is ruled out of Lyon clash and potential replacement named.

The massive Europa League quarter-final against Lyon is now just two days away with the first leg at the London Stadium.

West Ham warmed up for the match with a 2-1 win over Everton.

But David Moyes says his side must be sharper and better than they were against the Toffees if they are to beat the French visitors.

West Ham are already missing Manuel Lanzini for the game through suspension.

And now a West Ham insider has told Claret and Hugh that another key player will miss the game.

The insider says West Ham have been dealt a cruel injury blow as star Ben Johnson is ruled out of the Lyon clash and his potential replacement is named.

Moyes revealed Johnson missed the match against Everton after ‘feeling his hamstring’ on duty with England Under 21s.

And the insider claims Johnson will not make it in time for Lyon.

It is a cruel blow for young Johnson who has been superb for West Ham this season and really established himself as a key player.

It’s also cruel on Moyes who has essentially been robbed of a key player due to the ridiculous placement of a two-week international break right before such huge European matches.

The source says the man most likely to replace Johnson is Vladimir Coufal, who was on the bench against Everton after a six-week lay-off following hernia surgery.

It is vital Coufal fills in if Johnson is ruled out but will he physically be up to such a high intensity game after a lengthy spell out? Ryan Fredericks played against Everton and was caught out of position several times with his pace getting him out of trouble.

Lyon are a serious threat as an attacking force and won’t give second chances in that respect.

West Ham’s big incentive is that the Ligue 1 side can most certainly be got at defensively.

When the draw was made former Hammer Joe Cole explained why West Ham should not fear Lyon.

Heading into the game Moyes has outlined his Lyon master plan.

And across the Channel at the weekend, Lyon edged a five-goal thriller 3-2 at home against Angers which you can read all about here.

West Ham are at what would traditionally be considered as something of a disadvantage in terms of European knockout football by having the home leg first.

Although quite how true that is now UEFA have done away with the away goals rule is debatable.

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