OPINION
West Ham will be sweating over the fitness of Theo Walcott just as much as Everton with the two set to play each other after the international break.
The 29-year-old attacker, according to the Liverpool Echo, is racing to be fit for the clash against the Hammers after having to depart the game against Huddersfield Town early due to an injury to his ribs.
According to the local newspaper’s update the Toffees are hoping Walcott gets the all clear to feature as they’re set to be without Richarlison as well as Bernard which means their firepower is significantly depleted as it stands.
However luckily for Marco Silva it is believed that the Toffees winger should be available to play against Manuel Pellegrini’s side as long as he able to cope with any pain his ribs may still cause him.
This could spark bad news for the Hammers as their chances of winning the upcoming clash would be drastically improved without the Toffees having Walcott to call upon.
The attacker has started his 2018/19 campaign in tip top form after scoring two, while assisting one, in his first four outings of the season.
Given that the Hammers have looked at all odds and ends when it comes to their defence this season, with both flanks looking vulnerable due to Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku not being the most defensive-minded fullbacks, Walcott could have a field day with the form he is in.
Pellegrini knows his side face a tough task as it is when they face the Toffees at Goodison Park on September 16, not just because of the pressure on him to guide his side to their first points of the season but Silva’s team are yet to taste defeat.
This all means that the Hammers will be sweating over Walcott being available as he aims to be fit for the upcoming clash as their task would be a lot easier if he sat this one out.
