West Ham United will be looking to move out of the Premier League’s relegation zone when they take on Southampton after the international break
The Hammers play host to bottom of the table Saints on Sunday, April 2, what will be West Ham’s first match in 17 days due to the international break and clashes with the FA Cup
Ahead of the meeting with Ruben Selles’ side, here is a look at West Ham’s current list of injury concerns.
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Vladimir Coufal (heel)
Right-back Vladimir Coufal has missed the last five matches due to a heel injury, which forced him off during last month’s 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Coufal had been nursing the issue going into the win over the Tricky Trees, but the severity of it forced him off at half-time and has since seen him miss trips to Manchester United, Brighton and Hove Albion and AEK Larnaca, as well as home clashes with Aston Villa and Larnaca.
Speaking after the draw with Villa, Moyes said that Coufal is improving but the second leg against Larnaca may come too soon for him.
“Vladmir Coufal has got plantar fascia, I don’t know if he is going to be back in the week but he is improving,” Moyes told football.london . “He is a boy who really wants to play.
“He's desperate to get out and show what he can do but he's got a foot injury. I don't think he'll be back this week, Vlad, maybe could be back after the international break.”
Despite Coufal’s injury, he and midfielder Tomas Soucek have been called up to the Czech Republic squad to face Poland and Moldova in qualification for the 2024 European Championships over the next week.
Lukasz Fabianski (cheek/eye)
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is set to return to action next month after fracturing his cheekbone and eye-socket against Forest.
Fabianski was forced off midway through the second half after being caught by the knee of Forest defender Felipe after the Polish stopper innocuously went for the ball.
Fabianski has been pictured back in training by West Ham’s club website since the injury in a protective mask. Speaking on it ahead of the draw with Villa, Moyes has said he would face a dilemma over his return if he had to wear a mask to play.
“He is desperate to come back,” said Moyes. “He feels like he is ready. Medically we are a little bit unsure as they are worried about him getting a ball in the face.
“He is saying he is not bothered about that and wants to get back playing. He wants to actually play without the mask. The mask is just there for training to protect him and no risk. More than likely, by the time we come back in a couple of weeks time, hopefully he won’t be too far away.”
Moyes added on the mask: “I have got no problem with that, but I haven’t got a strong enough opinion on it.
“Sometimes anything on your face means you don’t see other things, if you wear a hat or glasses, so a mask like that may not be great for a goalkeeper.”
Michail Antonio (calf)
Striker Michail Antonio missed the final two home games prior to the international break with a calf injury sustained shortly after scoring twice away at Larnaca.
Speaking on Antonio prior to the second leg win over Larnaca, Moyes confirmed that the striker was absent, but did not know how long for.
Jamaica are yet to name their squad to take on Mexico in a friendly on Monday morning (UK time).
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