Christian Dailly Hammers News

Wilshere absence explained

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Manuel Pellegrini has revealed Jack Wilshere hasn’t picked up an injury after missing West Ham United’s clash with Watford.

The England international has struggled with consistent injury problems during his spell at the London Stadium, having missed 30 games since the start of last season [Transfermarkt].

Pellegrini was quick to defend his decision to drop Wilshere in his post-match press conference, as quoted by Football.London, claiming he has one eye on the cup clash with Newport County.

“He’s not injured,” he said.

“In this moment, Carlos Sanchez, Yarmolenko, Wilshere, players are coming off long injuries might not be able to play two games quickly. We have the cup on Tuesday, we need Jack 100 per cent fit and rested, same with Robert Snodgrass.”

Wilshere was fully omitted from the Hammers’ squad for Saturday’s 3-1 victory at Vicarage Road, as captain Mark Noble returned to the starting line-up and scored.

OPINION

Many West Ham fans will have surely have feared the worst when the West Ham team sheet was released on Saturday afternoon. A missing Wilshere usually means he has infuriatingly picked up another injury, only months after surgery on an ankle injury. The Englishman started the first two games of the season in holding midfield, a position he isn’t necessarily used to, with a more attacking role more familiar territory. The Hammers struggled without Noble in that position, as Wilshere only averaged 0.5 tackles per game, whilst failing to register a single interception, clearance, or block according to WhoScored. It was his passing where he succeeded, averaging only 17 passes per game but at an impressive success rate of 88.2%. Wilshere will most likely play the full 90 minutes against Newport in the cup now, with Pellegrini clearly eager to take care of the former Arsenal man this season in a bid to utilise him.

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