Alphonso Areola will officially return to the first team once the international break is over, after being sidelined due to a lengthy thigh injury that has kept him out for the entire season so far. The wise Frenchman has made over 119 appearances in Claret & Blue but now likely resides on the bench, with Mads Hermansen taking his starting slot.
Many Hammers fans have suggested that Areola should return between the sticks over the Dane, but Nuno thinks otherwise and perhaps, rightly so. Mads Hermansen has kept a total of 9 clean sheets for the club in just 26 appearances. Whilst Areola has played 119 matches, keeping only 17.
Areola attempted to secure a move away from the Hammers over the summer, but his attempt wasn’t successful, and he ultimately remained at West Ham despite a few deals being offered abroad.
The Frenchman has made it clear to the club that he’s happy to run down his deal, but his contract expires next summer. West Ham do have an option to extend for another year, but at this stage, it seems unlikely to do so.
Areola will almost certainly be on the bench against QPR at the London Stadium, but whether he will start once again at West Ham United is unknown.
