West Ham have been hit with a major injury blow after goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski suffered a fractured cheekbone and eye socket during Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Fabianski was forced off during the second half following a collision with Forest centre-back Felipe. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round meeting with Manchester United, manager David Moyes confirmed the bad news.
“[He’s] got a fractured cheekbone and an eye socket,” the Scot said. “We don’t quite know whether it’ll be operated on or healing itself, or a time span at the moment.”
Fabianski has started every Premier League game for the Hammers this season and, while he would almost certainly have been rested for the trip to Old Trafford, the 37-year-old’s experience will be a big miss for Moyes’ side as they look to stave off the threat of relegation.
The Pole is due to be out of contract at the end of the season, though the club have the option of a one-year extension on his deal.
“Huge [blow] for us and obviously huge for the goalkeeper as well,” Moyes added. “The stage of the career for him as well.”
Fabianski’s misfortune will, however, provide a long-awaited opportunity for No2 goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who has been a regular in the cup competitions but has made only three substitute appearances in the League since making his loan move from PSG permanent last summer.
Behind the French international, the Hammers look short on depth having allowed Darren Randolph to join Bournemouth last month.
Young goalkeepers Joseph Anang and Krisztian Hegyi are the other options available to Moyes but neither have yet made their first-team debuts.
