West Ham United may have just received a huge boost ahead of this weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest after their latest injury update.
The Hammers will be looking to capitalise on their most recent win against Manchester United last weekend with another three points as they head to the City Ground on Saturday.
Picking up a win this weekend will not be easy, as Forest has started the season in great fashion, currently sitting 7th in the table with 16 points after four wins, four draws, and just one loss.
While form is certainly on Forest’s side, the Irons have the upper hand over the last few seasons having won two of their last three meetings in the Premier League, with the biggest result finishing in a 4-0 drumming on February 25th 2023.
The injury boost comes as doubts have been reported over the fitness of in-form striker Chris Wood, who picked up a foot issue during their most recent game beating Leicester City 3-1.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo is unsure whether Wood will feature and the severity of his injury, stating, “I hope not. Let’s assess, but I hope not.”
Another player who could miss the game is attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who missed the win over Leicester. Nuno said about Gibbs-White: “It is a day-by-day process so let’s see how he is.
“He is better today, so let’s hope he is even better tomorrow and keeps progressing.”
West Ham will look to take advantage of injury-ridden Forest
Wood and Gibbs-White have been two of Forest’s most important players over the last few seasons, so missing both will boost West Ham’s chances of pushing further up the table.
The former has been prolific in front of goal this season, bagging seven goals through their first nine games. He sits equally on goals as Cole Palmer and has more than Mohammed Salah, Ollie Watkins, and Luis Diaz.
Gibbs-White has started slowly this season with just one goal so far, but he ranks in the 78th percentile for assists compared to other players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues which is impressive in a team that finished 17th in the league last season.
A win for Lopetegui’s side would put them just two points behind Forest and potentially into the top ten if other fixtures go their way. They will be without Mohammed Kudus again due to his suspension, but they have plenty of firepower to make up for his absence.
A start for summer signing Crysencio Summerville could be on the cards after the winger impressed against United and picked up his first Premier League goal. Jarrod Bowen continues to be the shining light after his late winner and will be hungry to keep his goalscoring form going.
It is going to be a challenge but confidence should be sky high and we have enough talent to take all three points.