West Ham United play host to Chelsea at the London Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.
Chelsea will obviously represent a big test for West Ham, and Julen Lopetegui‘s players will have to be on their very best form if we are to get a result.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are believed to be without around six key players for Saturday’s game, so the Hammers will fancy their chances.
That said, West Ham have our own injury problems, with numerous key players struggling for fitness right now.
However, the way Lopetegui spoke today suggests that we might just be ok this weekend.
One player’s fitness in particular will be crucial to our hopes of beating Chelsea as far as I’m concerned.
Julen Lopetegui provides injury update ahead of West Ham vs Chelsea
The Spaniard has actually shared some good news for the fans this afternoon.
Emerson Palmieri has been struggling with an injury that he picked up away at Fulham, although it has been claimed that the problem sustained by the Italian was not a serious one.
And now, the Hammers head coach has responded to a question regarding team news for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea.
Lopetegui addressed the media this afternoon during his pre-match press conference, and provided an injury update, as quoted by WHUFC.com.
The Spaniard said, “The news is that we’re trying to recover all the players, but we need to wait until tomorrow to know more.“
“Emerson didn’t pick up a big knock [against Fulham], but we have to review everything before we know for sure. Let’s see tomorrow.“
So judging by those comments, Emerson definitely has a chance to play against his former club Chelsea on Saturday.
Emerson crucial for West Ham
The 30-year-old Italian is absolutely vital to the way that we play as a team.
He’s a really useful weapon inside the final third, and has a tremendous understanding with Lucas Paqueta.
Emerson’s defending has also improved greatly over the past 12 months.
If the former blues ace doesn’t play, Lopetegui will either have to start Aaron Cresswell or move Aaron Wan-Bissaka to left back and start Vladimir Coufal at right-back.
I really don’t like the sound of either of those options.
After Julen Lopetegui addressed the media today, I feel like Emerson Palmieri has a chance to be passed fit for the West Ham vs Chelsea clash.
Fingers crossed!
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