West Ham United will face an injury-stricken Leeds on Sunday, Whites boss Daniel Farke has confirmed.
Sunday sees West Ham United battle for Premier League survival when they host Leeds at the London Stadium.
The Hammers must beat Farke’s side, while hoping relegation rivals Tottenham lose to Everton to really turn things around at the bottom of the Premier League table.
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While Nuno Espirito Santo broadly has a good record against Leeds, he has lost his two games against them as West Ham head coach.
Still, the Yorkshire giants have been dealt several injury blows heading into West Ham versus Leeds.
Five Leeds players ruled out against West Ham
During Friday’s pre-match press conference, Farke confirmed that all of Ilia Gruev, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Noah Okafor, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff are injured against West Ham.
Jayden Bogle is a doubt, along with defender Pascal Struijk.
“I can confirm that Ilia Gruev is still out, that Gabi Gudmundsson is still out, that Noah Okafor is still out,” he said.
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“Also, Jayden Bogle is back in training. Could be that he is perhaps available. We have to wait right now how his body reacts to this load.
“Obviously, with Anton, a bit mixed news. So bad news that he is not available for this game. Good news is it is not a major injury. He just needs to be stitched anyhow.”
“Also, Sean Longstaff is out. He had a hernia surgery. Not available for this game. So of course, a bit tricky still but we try to find some good solutions.”
The story is very different for the Hammers.
Indeed, the latest West Ham injury news is very positive for Nuno. Adama Traore is their only concern at this stage.
Clearly, Leeds are a very good team and the fact they have little to play for might actually count against West Ham. There is no pressure on them and their players can duly relax somewhat, attempting to put on a show for the away supporters.
West Ham do not control their destiny. They must, however, repay their supporters following that dreadful defeat to Newcastle last weekend.
A reaction is needed. Even that might not be enough, but it is what supporters deserve.
It’s going to be a dramatic day at the bottom end of the Premier League table. West Ham have genuine hope, and the fact that Leeds are struggling on the injury front does make their task slightly easier.
Anything other than a win would be a disaster, regardless of what happens with Spurs.
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