West Ham have drafted Carlos Soler into their starting lineup for tonight’s Premier League clash with Newcastle.
The Paris Saint-Germain loanee comes into midfield in place of fellow summer signing Guido Rodriguez in the Hammers’ only change from a goalless draw with Everton ahead of the international break.
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is reportedly under mounting pressure after a dreadful start to the season, having won only three of his opening 11 top-flight games ahead of the trip to St James’ Park.
Lopetegui is without Mohammed Kudus through suspension after the Ghana forward was hit with an additional two-match ban following his red card against Tottenham last month.
The Irons are also missing Niclas Fullkrug again, with the striker still recovering from the Achilles tendon injury that has ruled him out since September.
Lopetegui said on Friday: “Niclas is improving, but he’s still out and is not ready for Newcastle.”
Edson Alvarez is absent again amid confusion over his status following a latest suspension. Alphonse Areola has returned to training but is only on the bench tonight, having missed the last three matches due to injury. Lukasz Fabianski keeps his place in goal.
Lopetegui revealed there were two members of his squad dealing with knocks, but did not name them.
“We have a little problem with two players, but we have to check tomorrow, and I hope they’re going to be ready for the next challenge on Monday,” Lopetegui said.
“I hope they’re going to be better tomorrow as they are little things, so we hope we can overcome this problem.”
West Ham XI: Fabianski, Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson, Soucek, Soler, Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville, Antonio
Subs: Areola, Cresswell, Coufal, Mavropanos, Guilherme, Rodriguez, Irving, Scarles, Ings
Suspended: Kudus, Alvarez
Injured: Fullkrug
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Monday November 25, 2024
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
TV channel: Sky Sports
