West Ham United boss David Moyes has admitted that Lukasz Fabianski is “desperate” to return to action.
The Hammers manager, speaking to football.london, revealed the player feels “ready” to play.
However, Moyes and the West Ham medical team don’t want to risk Fabianski just yet.
The 37-year-old has been out of action since the end of February.
He suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye socket during the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Fabianski has been on the mend, but Moyes is concerned about the player getting a ball to the face.
In terms of a return to action, the West Ham boss hoped it would be after the international break.
“He is desperate to come back,” Moyes said of the £60,000-a-week ace. “He feels like he is ready.
“Medically we are a little bit unsure as they are worried about him getting a ball in the face.
“He is saying he is not bothered about that and wants to get back playing.
“He wants to actually play without the mask.
“The mask is just there for training to protect him and no risk.
“More than likely, by the time we come back in a couple of weeks time, hopefully he won’t be too far away.”
Moyes was then asked what he would think if the medical team said he’d have to play with a mask on.
“I have got no problem with that, but I haven’t got a strong enough opinion on it,” he replied.
“Sometimes anything on your face means you don’t see other things, if you wear a hat or glasses.
“So a mask like that may not be great for a goalkeeper.”
Moyes is spot on – our view
While it’s great to hear that Fabianski is raring to go, it’s also good that Moyes is unwilling to take the risk.
Such a delicate injury needs time to heal properly.
If he was to take a blow to the face in a game, it could set him back much longer.
Besides, Fabianski needn’t be risked in a Europa Conference League game where West Ham are already two up.
And that’s their last game before the international break anyway. Even if he were fit, he’d likely have sat this one out.
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