Talented Eintracht Frankfurt duo who shone at West Ham last week are set to miss the crucial second leg claims a German reporter.
The countdown is on to one of the biggest single matches in the history of West Ham.
The Europa League semi-final second leg against Frankfurt is now just over 48 hours away.
The Hammers will head out to Germany this week looking to overturn the 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium.
But West Ham only actually need one goal for the chance to get to the final.
That would even the scores up on aggregate. And with the away goals rule having been abolished, that would give West Ham extra-time to find another goal or the chances to go through on penalties too.
Ahead of – and after – the first leg, many fans and pundits cited the fact Frankfurt had an extra day of rest over West Ham as a big advantage as the German’s recorded that 2-1 away win.
The roles are reversed for the second leg as Frankfurt were in action a day after West Ham, losing 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen on Monday night.
Like Moyes, Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner rested key players to save them for the all-important Europa League final two decider.
But West Ham have been handed a major boost ahead of the big game on Thursday night.
Because a Frankfurt duo who shone at West Ham are set to miss the crucial second leg according to claims from a German reporter.
Speaking to UEFA’s website for a match preview, Frankfurt reporter Steffen Potter claims attacker Jesper Lindstrom and defender Martin Hinteregger are both likely to miss the second leg against West Ham.
The duo both shone in the first leg at West Ham. Lindstrom was excellent on the ball and his silky touch and movement caused the Hammers problems until he went down with a hamstring injury.
Austria defender Hinteregger kept Michail Antonio subdued for most of the night too.
“It seems unlikely that Jesper Lindstrom will be available, and his pace and skill will certainly be missed,” Frankfurt reporter Potter told UEFA.
“In defence, it is likely that Almamy Touré would replace Martin Hinteregger should he not recover in time for Thursday.
“Even though the Eagles won the first leg, the tie is still delicately poised at 50-50. While Eintracht showed that they are able to hurt West Ham, the reverse also applies; the Premier League outfit put Frankfurt under intense pressure in the final phase of the match and will do so again this week.”
Let’s hope West Ham can take advantage. Although Frankfurt do welcome back star defender Evan Ndicka for the game.
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