West Ham United have received false positive news ahead of the clash with fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur next weekend, quite literally.
David Moyes got something of a boost with news that key Tottenham duo Son Heung-min and Bryan Gil looked set to miss next weekend’s clash with West Ham.
West Ham entertain Tottenham at the London Stadium next Sunday, October 24th.
And the Hammers were set to face a Spurs side without one of their best players in Son and summer signing Gil.
That’s after the duo were named as the Tottenham players who had tested positive for Covid.
The likes of Sky Sports reported that two Spurs players had tested positive for Covid-19 following the international break.
Those players were named online and in various reports as Gil and Son (TBR).
“Both men, who trained with the group on Thursday, were shown to have contracted Covid-19 after tests in the last 24 hours; a significant contingent of the club’s playing squad have been away on international duty,” Sky Sports reported on Friday.
The likes of Sky Sports reported yesterday that two Spurs players had tested positive for Covid-19 following the international break.
And overnight reports have suggested that those players are indeed Gil and Son (TBR).
Those rumours have been further fuelled today by reports that neither Son nor Gil are in the Tottenham squad to face newly minted Newcastle.
“Both men, who trained with the group on Thursday, were shown to have contracted Covid-19 after tests in the last 24 hours; a significant contingent of the club’s playing squad have been away on international duty,” Sky Sports reported.
False positive news for West Ham ahead of Tottenham clash
“The two unnamed players must now isolate for 10 days as per Government rules, keeping them out of the game at St James’ Park, a Europa Conference League match against Vitesse Arnhem and the London derby at West Ham next weekend.”
But the news proved to be a false positive for West Ham – and Spurs.
There was surprise when Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo named Son in his starting XI and Gil on the bench for Sunday afternoon’s game against Newcastle.
And speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Nuno confirmed the positive tests were actually false alarms.
Tottenham then clarified the situation o the club’s official website.
“Following a number of reports regarding the health of our players, the club would like provide clarity to events of the past 48 hours,” a statement read.
“After further analysis following Premier League protocol, two players – whose names will not be disclosed due to medical confidentiality – returned false positive tests for COVID-19 on Friday after returning from international duty.”
That will mean – barring injury against Newcastle and in Europe in midweek – Son will be fit to play against the Hammers at the London Stadium next weekend.
Son is always a danger even when Kane is not in top form.
But West Ham will be encouraged by the fact they beat and drew with Spurs with Son in the side last season.