West Ham United's next opponents Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a big injury blow ahead of their London derby later this month.
The Hammers head to the Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, February 19 hoping to match or better their result from the two sides’ last meeting, where West Ham came from behind to earn a point against Spurs in a 1-1 draw on August 31.
Despite sitting 16th in the table at present and only a point clear of the relegation zone, West Ham have enjoyed improved form in 2023, winning three times and drawing twice in their six matches in all competitions since the turn of the year.
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Heading into the trip to north London, their second local derby in the space of eight days after Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, the Hammers now know one player who they won't be coming up against.
Spurs captain and two-time World Cup finalist goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has sustained a knee injury which is set to see him miss out on between six and eight weeks of action, meaning Fraser Forster is in line to replace him short-term.
Forster has made just four appearances for Spurs this season, only one of which has been in the Premier League during the 2-2 draw away at Brentford on Boxing Day.
In eight career matches against the Hammers, Forster has won five, drawn once and lost two, with all eight coming for former club Southampton. However, he has conceded to them 11 times at an average of 1.38 goals per game.
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