The curious case of Alvaro Arbeloa as World Cup winner does disappearing act at West Ham

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World Cup winner Alvaro Arbeloa’s vast experience was expected to be an asset for West Ham United but he seems to have disappeared without trace.

West Ham United’s Alvaro Arbeloa

The Hammers handed the 33-year-old former Real Madrid right back a one-year deal after his contract expired at the Spanish giants in the summer.

The Hammers reportedly saw the former Liverpool player as an ideal mentor rather than replacement for young emerging right-back Sam Byram.

However Arbeloa has not been seen since replacing Byram in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough on October 1st.

Former Leeds United star Bryam was ruled out long term with the injury he sustained in that game and Slaven Bilic was expected to lean on his experience.

West Ham United’s Edimilson Fernandes celebrates scoring against Chelsea

But instead he changed the team’s shape completely and has been using young Swiss midfielder Edimilson Fernandes at right wing back.

While it is understandable Bilic would opt for the power, enthusiasm and pace of Fernandes over an ageing Arbeloa, West Ham fans have been left perplexed as to why he has not even been in the squad since.

West Ham’s last squad fitness update on its official website on October 28th makes no mention of Arbeloa suffering any injury.

No prisoners: West Ham manager Slaven Bilic

Speculation has been rife on social media and internet forums that the World Cup winner had a bust-up with Bilic and has been frozen out since.

If true, it wouldn’t be the first time the former Croatia boss has fallen out with one of his players.

Diafra Sakho celebrates

Morgan Amalfitano was the first to cross Bilic in the early days of his tenure. Needless to say that didn’t end well for the midfielder who was ostracized before eventually being released and going on to join Lille.

Next it was Diafra Sakho who has been pretty much frozen out, injured and AWOL ever since a disagreement with his manager over his non-selection for last season’s home game against Arsenal.