West Ham United have several injury absentees at present.
David Moyes’ tenure at West Ham United got off to a frustrating start yesterday as he oversaw a 2-0 defeat away to Watford.
As was the case towards the end of Slaven Bilic’s time in charge, West Ham lacked cohesion and were also vulnerable defensively, with it being clear that there is much for Moyes to work on if he is to save the club from relegation.
Moyes can take some solace, however, from the fact that West Ham are set to welcome back several players from injury who are capable of improving the team.
Striker Javier Hernandez, for instance, should be back available soon following a thigh problem.
The Mexican has scored four goals in the Premier League this season which, while not a spectacular return, is still more than any of his team-mates have mustered.
Michail Antonio, who is most effective as a right winger, has been struggling with a rib problem and when fit the 27-year-old is capable of making a major impact with his forward bursts and dangerous crosses.
Experienced centre-back James Collins has been sidelined for almost two months with an ankle injury and West Ham have missed the Welshman’s presence at the heart of the defence.
Another centre-back, Jose Fonte, is out until January with a similar problem but, given the struggles that he has endured since joining West Ham, his absence can’t be considered a major blow.
Attacker Andre Ayew should return from illness soon and will hope to start performing with greater consistency.
Right-back Sam Byram is continuing his recovery from a thigh problem and when fit will hope to compete for a place in the starting line-up with the ageing Pablo Zabaleta.
Overall, it appears that Collins’ absence is the biggest concern for West Ham at present, with the defender capable of organising the team defensively and making them much more resilient.
Hernandez and Antonio are also certainly key players who, when fit, should help West Ham to provide more of an attacking threat.
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