The Hammers left-back will have a late fitness test ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League game against Cardiff, with Arthur Masuaku potentially deputising.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed on Monday that Aaron Cresswell will face a late fitness test ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League home game against Cardiff City.
The Hammers romped to a 3-0 win in Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United, but a concern for the Chilean from the game came in the form of the left-back having to come off on 56 minutes.
Cresswell impressed against the Magpies at the weekend while on the pitch, putting in a great shift both defensively and offensively down the left flank.
His replacement, Arthur Masuaku, has found himself under criticism from some quarters when deployed at left-back, due to his lack of defensive acumen compared to his attacking nous.
“From the last team, we have Cresswell, who has a hamstring injury, which is why he couldn’t continue the game,” Pellegrini told the official site on Monday.
“We will see him tomorrow and make the last decision, but it could be difficult.”
Judging by the manager’s words, it looks like Cresswell is unlikely to feature against the Bluebirds, which means Masuaku will probably be drafted in as a replacement.
A number of West Ham fans took to Twitter following the club’s announcement of Cresswell’s injury update to express their sorrows:
Last month, a number of West Ham fans urged the club to sign Ashley Cole – set to leave Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the year, as per an official statement by the MLS club – to bolster the team’s left-back position.
With the Hammers having had a hit-and-miss season so far, there will be concern over not only how serious Cresswell’s injury is, but also what the board will look to do in January with regards to strengthening the ranks.
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