Insider’s new claim about West Ham star Declan Rice is a grave concern for David Moyes ahead of the big game against Sevilla.
There’s two days to go until West Ham kick-off one of their biggest matches in decades.
Excitement is building as the Hammers prepare to fly to Seville for the first leg of the huge tie.
West Ham have thoroughly embraced and enjoyed their European adventure this season.
After topping Group H, the east Londoners qualified directly for the last 16 knockout stage.
West Ham are now just three ties from a dream final in Seville.
But they will get an early taste of playing at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán after being handed arguably the toughest of the last 16 draws.
Heading into the game the form of both sides has stuttered of late.
West Ham played very well in the excruciating 1-0 defeat to Premier League title hopefuls Liverpool last time out.
Meanwhile Sevilla saw their own title hopes dashed when they were held to a 0-0 draw by relegation-threatened Alaves.
All eyes now turn to the Europa League last 16 clash.
And both West Ham and Sevilla have injury issues ahead of the first leg on Thursday evening.
Unfortunately for West Ham and David Moyes his two best players Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen are both doubts.
Bowen was forced off with a heel injury in the defeat to Liverpool while Rice missed that game through illness.
It is hoped Rice will be fine to play once Thursday comes around.
Insider’s new claim about West Ham star Declan Rice is grave concern for David Moyes
But an insider’s new claim about West Ham star Rice is a grave concern for Moyes.
Speaking to website Claret and Hugh, a Hammers insider said Rice is still unwell and by no means certain to play in West Ham’s huge clash.
“He has now been checked daily by the medical staff and has had blood tests but it seems that he was hit by a mystery bug which still hasn’t been identified,” Claret and Hugh claim.
“However, a source told CandH that he is feeling better than he was at the weekend and fingers are firmly crossed he will make the game.
“We were told: “He is feeling a bit better, though not 100 per cent. He’s been very ill with a mystery bug. Sore throat, not eating, but no temperature. HOPEFULLY he’ll be okay for Thursday.”
West Ham really do have rotten luck when it comes to losing key players at crucial stages of their campaigns.
Let’s just keep Hammers and fingers crossed he makes it back.