West Ham have been dealt a new injury blow after Arthur Masuaku was ruled out for six weeks
West Ham United have been dealt a fresh injury blow this week with the news that left-back Arthur Masuaku has been ruled out for six weeks.
Slaven Bilic’s side have been crippled by injuries to key players this season with Aaron Cresswell, Andre Ayew, Dimitri Payet and Andy Carroll among those spending time on the sidelines.
The Croatian’s problems have just got worse with the injury to Masuaku, who was brought in the summer due to first choice left-back Cresswell sustaining an ankle ligament damage in pre-season.
He has featured in every game since the start of the season, but sustained the injury in Wednesday’s EFL Cup victory over Accrington Stanley.
Cresswell is making steady progress in his recovery but Bilic admits he will not be back until at least after next month’s international break.
What should Bilic do next?
No doubt the injury to the former Olympiacos man has left West Ham light on defensive options. With no other recognised left-back it leaves Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa as potential full-back cover, although questions remain over the latter’s match fitness.
If Arbeloa is selected after featuring in only one game so far this season, it could be an area that Southampton look to exploit given his lack of match sharpness..
Given the situation they find themselves in right now, it is not the most ideal time for the Hammers to be hit with an injury crisis. They currently sit 18th with only three points to their name, and Sunday’s match at home to Southampton is seen by many in East London as a must-win.
Bilic still has centre-backs Winston Reid, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna to choose from as well as highly-rated Reece Oxford to choose from, although all four players are more suited to central areas.
It could be an option for the West Ham manager to play three at the back, we have seen Bilic do it in the past and taking into account the predicament he finds himself in right now, he should not rule it out.
Playing three at the back could solidify the central areas where United have been so vulnerable of late with the likes of Watford and West Bromwich Albion carving the back line open in their victories over The Hammers.
However, that would only cause more headaches in the attacking areas. Michail Antonio has struggled in his defensive duties, Dimitri Payet will not be moved from his preferred position, and where does Manuel Lanzini fit in all this? They will be the dilemmas Bilic will have to face if he does opt for switching formation.
Another injury, another problem for West Ham United and Slaven Bilic. Victory is the aim on Sunday but another selection headache awaits.
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