The sigh of relief could be heard as far away as the Isle of Man when it emerged that the injury West Ham United talisman Crysencio Summerville suffered against Brentford in the FA Cup was not as serious as first feared.
Hammers News were informed today that Summerville should be back to face Leeds United in the FA Cup quarter-finals in early-April.
That last-eight meeting with his old employers from West Yorkshire appears the most realistic target, the Premier League clash at Villa Park on March 22nd likely to come too soon.
If Summerville is out, who do YOU want to see start on the left?
Reports coming out of the Netherlands provide further reason for optimism among a West Ham United fanbase who were initially fearing the worst.
Voetbal Primeur now claim that Crysencio Summerville, Rotterdam-born and a graduate of the Feyenoord academy, could actually still be in contention for a maiden Dutch call-up this month.
West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville in Ronald Koeman’s plans
Before he picked up that calf issue on Monday night, the Netherlands were expected to fight off Suriname while convincing Summerville to commit his international allegiances to the country of his birth.
Voetbal Primeur state that a first Dutch call-up is ‘absolutely not yet ruled out’. The Netherlands are due to step up their World Cup preparations with friendlies against tournament dark horses Norway and South American nation Ecuador on March 27th and 31st respectively.
“I’m positive about Summerville,” head coach Ronald Koeman told ESPN on Sunday. “Our biggest competition is at the back and in midfield. In attack, [the competition for places] a bit less.
“So, a player who plays in the Premier League, is important at West Ham, and can play on both the left and right wing, is something we’re looking at very closely.”
“He’s also very clever in his game, especially when it comes to keeping possession. He has a high level of efficiency, which is what you’re looking for. And he’s used to playing at full intensity, both forward and back.
“I don’t think you should select players just to get ahead of Suriname. A player has to be considered, and when he’s ready, you should call him up.
“[A March debut] is possible.”
When was the last time a West Ham player excited you so much?! 😍
Nuno Espirito Santo surely won’t want Summerville to join up with the Dutch squad
Of course, a call-up in such circumstances could spark a club versus country battle. Nuno Espirito Santo and West Ham would presumably have massive concerns about letting Koeman rush Summerville back to fitness.
It is only their Premier League status that is on the line, after all.
But still, the fact that some in the Netherlands obviously feel that Summerville could be fit to play again before the end of the month is a clear boost to Hammers’ hopes of having him back for the entirety of the run-in.
Adama Traore appears the most likely replacement for Saturday’s clash with title-chasing Manchester City. Traore impressed during a 45-minute outing on the left-wing against Brentford before Summerville replaced him at the break.
Youngster Keiber Lamadrid may hope for a cameo or two as well, as the Deportivo la Guaira loanee looks to secure a permanent contract at the London Stadium.
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