In addition, the AFCON will deprive Slaven Bilic of much needed contributions from Cheik Kouyate and Andre Ayew, leaving the club light in the middle of the field. Undoubtedly Pedro Obiang has Stepped up his game and young Emilisen Fernandes has impressed whenever the opportunity of game time has arrived but beyond those players the Hammers options are limited.
Meanwhile, Josh Cullen has been wowing the punters at Bradford city whilst Martin Samuelsen has had a mixed experience at Peterborough. As such, the news that West Ham have agreed terms for both to remain at those clubs until the end of the season points to the likely arrival of more experienced midfield back up in the immediate future.
To date, the rumour mill has pointed to Chelsea’s Rubin Loftus Cheek and / or Montpelier’s Morgan Sanson – both young and creative players but neither with the experience that Bilic will be seeking to bolster the Hammers push away from the bottom half of the table.
There will undoubtedly be some twists and turns in the month ahead!
