Crisis-What Crisis? Right Back Where We Belong

Going into what many see as a 'dead rubber' game against arguably the best team in club football managed by the best manager in the world, Hammers could have done with a full compliment of uninjured players, alas it seems that will NOT be the case.

Whenever there is an International break, fans are proud to see their players go off and represent their various countries, whereas team managers invariably spend the time their players are away worrying about injuries that might get picked up.

It is not only those players who go on their travels who can be of concern as West Ham have experienced, with new £30 Million signing James Ward-Prowse picking up what must have been a pretty unpleasant injury while training at Hammers 'goose green' facility.

The injury, as yet undisclosed was sufficient in its severity to have the player scanned and then 'rested' for the foreseeable future putting his availability for the City match very much up in the air. However, it is not all doom and gloom, because Mohammed Kudus will be itching to get his first start for the club and JWP's unavailability would present an ideal opportunity for the Ghana International to make his mark.

Similarly, the loss of the dependable if ageing Vladimir Coufal who picked up an injury playing for the Czech Republic might be seen as a bitter blow, however Thilo Kehrer is ready, willing and able to step into Vlad's boots.

There is also utility defender Ben Johnson to call on. Giving him some game time wouldn't be a bad thing, however it is more than likely Thilo Kehrer would get the nod. He does have the odd 'ricket' in his play but has speed to burn which can usually get him out of trouble AND like Vlad he does like to get forward.

So although Moyes will be devoid of one if not two of his preferred starting eleven, it is not as if he is dealing with a 'bare bones' situation is it? The injuries to Ward-Prowse and Coufal whilst not being welcome are not the beginning of a crisis, they are more the chance for other players to shine if given the opportunity.

Crisis what crisis? - Ed