Injuries, injuries and more injuries is not the sort of information fans want to hear as the club wades in to the 'fixture frenzy' that has been set for them by people more interested in money than player welfare. It can be argued that the obscene wages they receive justifies them playing until they drop, but despite being elite sportspeople, they are still human and there are limits even for individuals who are looked after well by a comprehensive medical team.
Aaron Cresswell is due to have a late fitness test ahead of the crucial, game against Arsenal this evening, it is never a good sign for a player's fitness to be decided 'on the wire' so David Moyes will probably have to implement his plan B with regards to the left back berth.
Already shorn of his two preferred centre backs, the Hammers manager now has to contend with the prospect of using Authur Masuaku as an out and out full back! Now we really like 'King Authur', but a proper left back he is NOT, the problem for Moysie is that the ready made left back replacement for Aaron Cresswell, Ben Johnson is also injured.
Emmanuel Longelo is the only viable option other than Masuaku, the 20 year old didn't look out of place against Zagreb and while Arsenal represent far sterner opposition it might be worth giving him a crack at it, he was omitted from the U-23's recent game which is usually a sure sign of being elevated to the match day squad.
A youngster who might get nervy, or a flyer who is a defensive accident waiting to happen? That is the choice David Moyes has to make if Cresswell fails his late fitness test as he is expected to do, we'll know soon anyhow. - Ed
