West Ham United secured a famous win at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last night but it appeared to come at a cost.
The Hammers got a measure of revenge for Sunday’s agonising last gasp 2-1 defeat against Man United at the London Stadium.
Ryan Fredericks brilliantly burst between two Man United players and into the box before cutting the ball back for Manuel Lanzini to stroke home the only goal of the game at Old Trafford.
West Ham win comes at a cost as ‘The Flash’ Fredericks is forced off injured
But it came at a price as jet heeled Fredericks was injured trying to put the brakes on as he approached the infamously perilous hoardings just off the Man United pitch.
West Ham’s second choice right-back was showing his brilliant display in last week’s Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb was no one off.
He tried to play on but succumbed to the injury a few moments later and was replaced by Vladimir Coufal.
West Ham fans are understandably concerned about the man they nickname ‘Flash’ given the form he was showing and his past injury record.
The fact he pulled up under no challenge suggests a muscle or hamstring issue. And supporters have been concerned he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines as a result.
Hammers star ‘gutted’ but aims for speedy return
But Fredericks has moved to reassure supporters with an update on his ‘small’ injury on Twitter.
“Great win and performance tonight, shows how far we’ve come as a squad,” Fredericks said on Twitter.
“Gutted to pick up the small injury but will be back in no time! #COYI.”
Given the quick turnaround for Saturday’s Premier League game at Leeds, it seems highly unlikely Fredericks will be available, even if it is only – in his own words – a ‘small’ injury.
Fredericks is playing for his future at West Ham this season with his contract up in the summer. And it has showed in his two appearances so far.
Fredericks pace is huge asset for Moyes but will he get new deal?
His pace is such a huge asset for David Moyes.
West Ham have one of the best right backs in the Premier League in the shape of Vladimir Coufal.
And in terms of back-up they don’t come much better than Fredericks for a club West Ham’s size. At 28, he still has several years left in him at the top level too.
So it would be a huge surprise if Moyes does not move to get the injured star signed up to a new deal in the coming months.
Although it remains to be seen whether the player himself craves more game time elsewhere.
In other news, Scorned West Ham fans taunt Lingard with Bowen chant.
And Brazilian boost for West Ham as star man adds to shocking Leeds injury crisis.