West Ham United face the daunting prospect of taking on Manchester City at the Etihad next week, and the fitness of Jarrod Bowen will be a big concern for Julen Lopetegui.
Julen Lopetegui faces the sack from his post as West Ham head coach if we lose heavily to Manchester City, so he will be desperate for Jarrod Bowen to be passed fit.
Graham Potter is said to be on standby waiting to come in and replace the Spaniard at the London Stadium.
If Lopetegui is to remain in the job, he needs Bowen to really step up during these next two games.
The former Hull City star has been one of the few shining lights for the Hammers throughout what has been a really dull campaign so far.
He has grown into his role as club captain as well, with Aaron Cresswell recently praising him for his leadership skills.
But will Lopetegui be able to count on him for the upcoming clash with Man City?
Jarrod Bowen injury update emerges after ankle problems fears
Bowen has been sensational for the Hammers since moving to the London Stadium in January 2025.
He is our best, most important and consistent player, by quite some way.
The 28-year-old recently signed a new contract with West Ham that runs until the summer of 2030.
Bowen will crucial to our hopes of making some genuine progress over the course of the next few years.
However, we need him in the here and now as well.
So will he be back for the Man City game in what would be a major boost for Lopetegui?
Well, the answer is he has a chance.
According to Premier Injuries, Bowen has a 50/50 chance of being passed fit to face Manchester City on Saturday.
Having the 28-year-old available will make a huge difference to our chances of going to The Etihad and getting a result from the game.
Lopetegui will be praying that Jarrod Bowen is fit to face Manchester City – his West Ham future may well depend on it.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
