West Ham United have concerns about Pablo Zabaleta.
West Ham United manager Manuel Pellegrini has told Football.London that he has concerns about his right back situation after Ryan Fredericks suffered a major injury.
Summer signing Fredericks is expected to be out for around three months after damaging his shin, which leaves West Ham short of options heading into the busy Christmas period.
West Ham are only left with Pablo Zabaleta in terms of recognised right backs, but he turns 34 in January and will almost certainly need a rest at some point with such a hectic schedule on the horizon.
The Hammers are left with few options, but one player who may just fit the bill is Reece Oxford, who hasn’t even been given a minute of competitive game time by Pellegrini.
The 19-year-old has been tipped for a January exit having failed to convince Pellegrini, but he did play at right back for Borussia Monchengladbach last season during his loan stint in Germany.
Oxford may be a centre back or holding midfielder by trade, but should be able to fill in at right back when needed after his experience there last season, potentially giving Pellegrini a surprise saviour.
There really aren’t many other options for West Ham to consider in that spot without playing somebody like Michail Antonio badly out of position, and this may be the chance Oxford has been waiting for as he attempts to prove himself to Pellegrini.
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