It is a case of one huge in and one out for West Ham at Spurs confirms David Moyes ahead of Thursday night’s London derby clash.
West Ham make the short trip to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night and some important team news is in.
The Hammers suffered their first real injury problems of the season after the November international break.
But Tottenham have been suffering on that front perhaps more than any other Premier League club.
West Ham lost Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio to knee injuries recently. They then saw four key players ruled out with illness. And just when things looked to be easing for David Moyes, captain Kurt Zouma was withdrawn from the draw with Palace after armed robbers burgled his home.
Well it’s one huge in and one out for West Ham at Spurs confirms Moyes.
One huge in and one out for West Ham at Spurs
Speaking in his pre-Tottenham press conference, the Scot has confirmed that striker Antonio – who has a habit of scoring against Spurs – remains out.
But skipper Zouma – who was said to have been understandably traumatised by the incident which happened while he and his young family were in the house – is back and ready to play.
“There is no Antonio, he’s not back fit yet. Kurt Zouma is back in training and we’re happy to have him back,” Moyes said.
“He’s been fine. It’s been a terrible situation but the Club are supporting him really well.
Kurt zooms back after traumatic incident
“It’s horrible, as nobody should be broken into. Hopefully, with the reward being put up, the people will be arrested for it.”
Spurs’ injury crisis means Ange Postecoglou will be without Ivan Perisic, Rodrigo Bentancur, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon and Alfie Malik Whiteman are all out of the game while midfielder Pape Sarr is a doubt along with Eric Dier.
Zouma’s return is huge for West Ham, make no mistake. But Moyes faces a conundrum over who to play up front.
Especially after Antonio spoke out this week to claim Bowen does not enjoy playing there and is more effective on the wing.
Tottenham vs West Ham kicks off at 8.15pm and will be screened live on Amazon.
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