The absence of James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paqueta, and Jarrod Bowen at Rush Green training this week may have alarmed West Ham supporters.
Fans were curious as to why the three important players were absent from the team’s “Inside Rush Green” YouTube film, which was released before to their matchup with Arsenal.
Given the significance of all three players, a triple injury blow would be disastrous for the Hammers. Until now, their absence from the video has gone unannounced.
After losing 3-0 to Manchester United, David Moyes’ team has now gone four games without a victory. Their trip to see Mikel Arteta’s team on February 11 does not seem good.
The Hammers’ hopes of winning all three points will be severely harmed if Bowen, Ward-Prowse, and Paqueta do not play on Sunday. Together, they have scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists for the Hammers this season.
With Paqueta’s injury term ending following the match against Arsenal, The Standard revealed on February 5 that Moyes was optimistic Paqueta might rejoin his team in a week. As a result, his absence is not surprising.
Nevertheless, Bowen missed the FA Cup loss to Bristol City due to an ankle injury he sustained during the most recent international break. Nevertheless, he quickly made a comeback and has since played in three games.
Given that Moyes has little choices due to the exits of Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals during the summer window, any further setback to the Hammers’ most vital forward player would be even more concerning.
It was also unexpected that Ward-Prowse was not present. The midfielder will be much missed in the midfield if he is not featured against Arsenal, as he has started all 22 of West Ham’s Premier League games this season.
There’s no need to panic unless Moyes or the club explains their absences and the reasons behind them. That video, though, will undoubtedly raise red flags.