The Angel Ogbonna is apparently scheduled to be part of the final match day squad for the game at the Amex against Brighton, if this rumour is true it would represent a milestone for the Italian International who has spent majority of the season recovering from an ACL injury.
Ogbonna's presence has been sorely missed and his absence is probably one of the reasons the club missed out on a Champions League slot following the injury he picked up during the 3-2 win against Liverpool in November of last year, he and Kurt Zouma had formed an imperious partnership at the back for the Irons and while Craig Dawson stepped up to the plate admirably, results DID suffer.
Apart from the player not being available for the first team, Ogbonna's absence meant that when Zouma was injured Hammers were bereft of much cover, and when Dawson was unavailable as well the club was left with only ONE fit centre back, Issa Diop.
The return of 'gentle giant' Ogbonna, even if it is only to be on the bench, will generate a real feel good factor as the team try to overcome Brighton which they have not managed to do since 2015! Brighton have been Hammers 'bogey' team for years, David Moyes boys need to beat Brighton on their own patch and hope that Patrik Viera's Palace can beat Man Utd on the last day in order to leapfrog them for the remaining Europa League slot instead of a place in the ill named but still European Competition the Conference League Cup.
While the club's final Euro destiny might not be directly controlled, a win at the Amex would go a long way to at least be in the mix! - LN
