As West Ham United prepare to face Leicester City in pursuit of back-to-back victories, one key man has stepped up his road to recovery with a fresh return date now eyed.
West Ham injury news
West Ham’s 1-0 victory over London rivals Arsenal came out of nowhere. The Hammers entered The Emirates off the back of four games without victory in what has, in truth, been a relatively poor start under Graham Potter. But the Premier League is rarely predictable at this stage of the season and Jarrod Bowen ensured that the Gunners were dealt arguably their biggest blow yet in pursuit of leaders Liverpool.
West Ham, meanwhile, kickstarted the Potter era and will no doubt be looking to make it back-to-back victories against struggling Leicester on Thursday evening.
Victory could see those at the London Stadium move up to 12th if results elsewhere go their way in what would represent improvement from the struggling side they became under Julen Lopetegui. And although they’ll be without both Lucas Paqueta and Vladimir Coufal against the Foxes, Potter did provide a positive update on the latter.
When asked about the duo, Potter shared a fresh date when Coufal could return, telling reporters: “Both progressing. Both won’t make the squad on Thursday but are making progress. Probably Vladimir (Cofual) certainly has a chance for Newcastle. Lucas (Paqueta) we will have to see how he responds but for Leicester, no.”
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Having missed the last two games through injury, which will become three following Leicester, Coufal’s return will be a welcomed one if he makes the Newcastle game.
In his absence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has certainly given Potter plenty to think about with the battle over the starting right-back role set to commence once Coufal is back fit and fighting for the Hammers.
Coufal must fight for West Ham place
There may have been a time when Coufal’s place in West Ham’s strongest side was guaranteed, but Wan-Bissaka has brought an end to those days. The former Manchester United man has looked a surprising threat going forward whilst also completing his usual impressive defensive in what marks major improvement since Old Trafford days to forget.
So, to say that Coufal must fight for his place would be an understatement. The £35,000-a-week right-back may have experience on his side, but Wan-Bissaka is at the peak of his powers and getting better and better under Potter.
At 32 years old, the West Ham man may be forced to settle for a place from the bench when he potentially returns from injury against Newcastle United this weekend. Wan-Bissaka, meanwhile, looks likely to only kick on even further and cement his role as Potter’s starting right-back at the London Stadium.