Less than a week after Nuno Espirito Santo replaced Graham Potter at West Ham United, speculation is already raging about the futures of James Ward-Prowse and Jean-Clair Todibo.
That, of course, was to be expected when both players were missing from the matchday squad during Monday’s 1-1 draw at Everton.
Nuno immediately bombed out James Ward-Prowse, making many a headline along the way. If bringing back Freddie Potts was a ‘brilliant’ call – immediately getting the fans onside – then dropping a player most supporters viewed as synonymous with the malaise of the Graham Potter era was just as popular.
A source told Hammers News later in the week that Jean-Clair Todibo was out due to illness rather than anything tactical – the same explanation was given for Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s absence during the final few games of the Potter tenure – but that did not stop tongues-a-wagging.
While some amateur sleuths suspected a falling out between Potter and Wan-Bissaka, questions have been raised over Todibo’s attitude behind-the-scenes.
Speaking at a pre-Arsenal press conference on Thursday lunchtime, Nuno did not rule out a return to the squad for Ward-Prowse or Todibo, though. Wan-Bissaka, he said, could also return to the fold.
Nuno explains James Ward-Prowse and Jean-Clair Todibo situation at West Ham United
Nuno Espirito Santo made a point about getting to know his players in the days after that Everton draw.
Within that, of course, the fact that one of the players he did know well was left at home – Nuno worked with Ward-Prowse at Nottingham Forest last season in a loan spell terminated halfway through the campaign – did not reflect particularly well on the £30 million signing from Southampton.
The former Wolves and Tottenham boss indicated that Ward-Prowse will be given an opportunity to force his way back in however. This is a long, hard season, and Nuno needs all the bodies he can get.
“We are trying to [get to] know the players as soon as possible, as best as we can,” Nuno says. “So we can make the proper solutions and decisions.
“James wasn’t involved [at Everton]. Let’s see [if he returns at Arsenal]. We have one more training session.
“We always have the same mindset; What the team needs. It’s going to be a long season. It’s too early to say what we expect. We need the squad strong and healthy.”
Todibo and Wan-Bissaka should also be in contention after seemingly putting those reported illnesses behind them.
“Today, we worked with 22 boys [on the training pitch],” the head coach adds. “Tomorrow is the day we make decisions. Todibo trained. Last week, he didn’t train in all the sessions. Now, he’s involved. We will see.
“The same [for Wan-Bissaka], the same. Thank God, this week has been good. They are recovering.”
Aaron Wan-Bissaka could feature at Arsenal on a landmark day for Max Kilman
The reigning Hammer of the Year has only played twice in 2025/26.
Wan-Bissaka was ‘terrible’ in that Chelsea drubbing at the end of August. The former Manchester United right-back was arguably at fault for the Blues’ first three goals during that 5-1 home defeat.
His return to fitness gives Nuno a selection dilemma, particularly after Kyle Walker-Peters impressed against Jack Grealish on Monday. Max Kilman should make his 200th senior club appearance at Arsenal, meanwhile, as Todibo looks to snatch a starting berth from the under-performing Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
