West Ham United are hoping that right back Pablo Zabaleta will be fit and available to face Burnley on Sunday, according to the Evening Standard.
The newspaper claims that the Argentinian has been suffering with illness of late, putting his involvement at Turf Moor in doubt.
However, the hope is that the veteran will be fit to face the Clarets, as the Hammers hope to avoid another addition to their ever-increasing absentee list.
Winger Michail Antonio started on the right hand side of the defence against Southampton on Thursday and produced a solid effort at St Mary’s Stadium.
OPINION
It would be a big boost to West Ham’s chances against Burnley if Zabaleta can overcome his illness in time to make it to Turf Moor. The former Manchester City man is a huge player for the club and so to have him back in the defensive unit would be massive. Antonio has shown that he can fill in at right back on occasion but he’s not a man you want playing at the back if you can avoid it. He was decent against the Saints on Thursday but Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side didn’t really test him in all honesty. With Burnley likely to come out all guns blazing in an attempt to end their poor run of form it would be much better for West Ham to have an experienced player like Zabaleta manning the defence. Manuel Pellegrini’s side really don’t need any more absentees, they are dealing with so many at the moment, and so everyone connected with the club will be hoping Zabaleta can make it come Sunday.
