The veteran West Ham United ace has proven to be a superb signing for the club.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini addressed the media today, ahead of his side’s clash with Newcastle United on Saturday, and suggested that Pablo Zabaleta will not be able to play all seven games in December – something that could be a serious issue for his defence, as quoted by Football.London.
Ryan Fredericks is currently out with a long-term injury, whilst Sam Byram is on loan with Nottingham Forest, so the Hammers are extremely stretched in the right-back position.
West Ham have made a really poor start to their 2018/19 Premier League campaign, and currently sit in 14th spot in the table.
They have shipped 22 goals already this season – the fifth worse in the division, so having to rest Zabaleta really will be a last resort for Pellegrini.
The Chilean spoke to reporters today, and highlighted how much his team will miss the experienced Argentinian, if and when he is rested, as quoted by Football.London:
“It is impossible for him to play seven games in December so we need to see what we will do in that position. Being without him though is a serious thing for our defence.”
West Ham are in desperate need of all three points against Newcastle on Saturday, and if they are to do just that, they will need to be on top form, with Rafa Benitez’s side heading into the match on the back of three consecutive victories.
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