England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed in a press conference today that Jarrod Bowen has become the latest Premier League star to pick up an injury whilst on international duty.
West Ham United will head to the North West for their clash with Burnley when Premier League football resumes this weekend, however, it is looking likely that David Moyes will be missing his attacking talisman.
Jarrod Bowen earned another well-deserved international call-up for England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers after impressing for the Hammers over the season so far, despite being left on the bench against Malta, the talented winger has now suffered a knee injury in training.
Along with Kieran Trippier, who has headed home to deal with a personal issue, Bowen did not fly out with the rest of the England squad to Macedonia on Sunday afternoon and will instead return to his club for further assessment which will leave West Ham fans holding their breath until Moyes’ press conference later this week.
There was a lot of speculation on social media this morning about Bowen’s condition, but Southgate’s admission in a press conference has confirmed worst fears:
“Unfortunately Jarrod picked up an injury, I think he felt it a little bit yesterday and again at the end of training today.”
“We didn’t really have enough time to assess it fully and make a really accurate decision before the game so we felt better to leave him in England so that he can get it properly assessed.”
“I don’t think it’s going to be anything serious but we just didn’t have enough time and we wouldn’t take a risk in that situation.”
Will Bowen be fit for Burnley?
Whilst this will be a nerve-wracking time for the Hammers as they further assess Bowen’s fitness and the timeframe of recovery needed for the problem in his knee, Southgate’s comments will definitely deliver an element of hope and relief.
The England boss suggests that he did not have enough time to assess the extent of the issue Bowen is facing, so for that reason has overcautiously left him behind and has not indicated there is anything of major concern.
The 26-year-old has been instrumental in the Irons’ recent successes and their initial flying start in the Premier League this season, so losing him at this stage of the campaign for a prolonged period would be an absolute nightmare for Moyes.
Over 12 Premier League appearances, Bowen has scored eight goals, delivered one assist and created three big chances so far, as well as averaging 2.8 shots on goal, 3.6 ball recoveries, 1.4 tackles and 5.6 duels won per game, as per SofaScore.
This new injury issue will only add a bigger headache for Moyes, as there is also a potential long-term injury affecting the availability of centre-forward Michail Antonio, so would hugely limit the output if Bowen is out too for the trip to Burnley.
With that being said, there is no doubt it will be a stressful few days for the Hammers but all the signs point to a positive outcome from the England manager’s press conference.
