West Ham United insider ExWHUemployee has delivered an update on the fitness of Sebastien Haller and Angelo Ogbonna.
Read: Ex lifts lid on 125th anniversary West Ham kits including possible Juventus-like third strip
Both key West Ham players have missed the club’s 2-0 defeats against Wolves and Tottenham since the restart.
And it has showed.
West Ham are 17th in the table by virtue of goal difference alone.
The Hammers are tied on 27 points with Aston Villa and Bournemouth with seven games remaining.
Photo by KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH POOL AFP via Getty Images
West Ham found wanting after restart
West Ham have looked short in defence and attack.
Conspiracy theories have been rife about Haller. The Frenchman has endured a difficult debut season at West Ham.
But the team has missed having a focal point.
Some fans believe Haller has not featured as the club plans to sell him. Others have suggested Haller’s next appearance will trigger another payment in the deal with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Twitter and podcast personality ExWHUemployee claims Haller is expected to train with West Ham on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s daunting match against in-form Chelsea.
But Ex says he will not be risked for fear of the striker making things worse and ruling himself out for the season.
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Insider gives update on Haller and Ogbonna availability
There was however better news on Ogbonna.
The big Italian centreback will return to the side for the visit of Chelsea according to Ex.
“There is no need for the conspiracy theories,” ExWHUemployee said on Twitter.
“He (Haller) is meant to be back training tomorrow from his groin injury but is likely to not be risked for Chelsea.
“It’s nothing to do with money or leaving the club etc…. just your usual West Ham injuries (nothing new there).”
When asked about Ogbonna, Ex added: “He is available for selection.”
There is no need for the conspiracy theories. He is meant to be back training tomorrow from his groin injury but is likely to not be risked for Chelsea. It’s nothing to do with money or leaving the club etc…. just your usual West Ham injuries (nothing new there) ⚒ https://t.co/cxIGwzL5by
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) June 28, 2020
He is available for selection ⚒ https://t.co/8DMPp6lO7R
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) June 28, 2020
Photo by James Williamson AMA Getty Images
Hammers get fortunate as results go their way
West Ham have been very fortunate that results have – in the main – gone their way following the restart.
Aston Villa have picked up just two points from three matches while Bournemouth have lost both as have Norwich.
West Ham now face seven games in three and a half weeks to decide their fate.
West Ham remaining fixtures:
Chelsea (H)
Newcastle (A)
Burnley (H)
Norwich (A)
Watford (H)
Manchester United (A)
Aston Villa (H)