LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Manuel Pellegrini hints that Carlos Sanchez and Lucas Perez will be kept in reserve for West Ham United

Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover

Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham United side are set to take on Bournemouth.

Manuel Pellegrini of West Ham United during Training at Rush Green on August 10, 2018 in Romford, England.

Manuel Pellegrini’s comments to Football.London suggest that he is reluctant to start either Lucas Perez or Carlos Sanchez for West Ham United against Bournemouth.

West Ham are set to take on Eddie Howe’s side at the London Stadium on Saturday, and they are under pressure to bounce back from a heavy defeat.

West Ham were hammered by Liverpool on the opening day of the season, with Hammers fans already calling for Pellegrini to make changes.

Both Perez and Sanchez will be available for selection at the weekend, following their deadline day moves.

But it seems that the West Ham boss has doubts over using either of the pair, as they have not been in training with the team for very long.

He said: “Carlos has worked just one week, Lucas Perez is similar.”

Carlos Sanchez of Colombia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia round of 16 match between Columbia and England at the Spartak stadium  on July 03, 2018 in Moscow, Russia

It means that Declan Rice could continue in his defensive midfield slot for West Ham, with Sanchez likely to still be on the bench.

In the forward areas West Ham will also need an improved display, as they failed to threaten Liverpool on many occasions.

Andriy Yarmolenko could be one of the new signings who does start for West Ham, even if Sanchez and Perez are held back for now.

Lucas Perez of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England.