Boss David Moyes has provided an update on the fitness of his squad in between Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg against Bayer Leverkusen and the Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Forward Jarrod Bowen completed the full 90 minutes of West Ham United’s 1-1 draw at home to recently-crowned Bundesliga champions Leverkusen - that contributed to a 3-1 aggregate defeat - and set up Michail Antonio’s 13th-minute goal.
His availability for that game went right down to the wire though, according to Moyes, and the Hammers’ top scorer will once again be assessed in the run up to the visit to Selhurst Park.
Nayef Aguerd limped out of the Leverkusen clash on the stroke of half-time and, alongside recent absentees Dinos Mavropanos, Alphonse Areola and Kalvin Phillips, is set to be checked by the medical staff at Rush Green.
“Jarrod’s always quite robust, but I know he was really touch and go for last night’s match, and he was really close to not playing,” Moyes said.
“He took an injection before the fixture, so we’ll need to see how he is and how he’s reacted to that. It was a big boost to have him back, as it is whenever your big players are available to play.
“Nayef went over on his ankle, but we’ve not had the chance to assess him yet. Him and Dinos are both set to be checked, and then we’ll know more ahead of the weekend. It’s the same situation with Alphonse and Kalvin.”
The manager did share the positive news that young midfielder George Earthy has recovered well following the head injury he sustained against Fulham last weekend, yet he remains ineligible for selection for now.
Emerson and Lucas Paquetá are both in contention to return to the playing squad at Palace however, with the duo having missed the Leverkusen second leg through suspension.
“George Earthy’s great,” added Moyes. “He was in watching training the other day. He looks fine, but we’re following all the protocols required and he’s not back with us just yet.
“The two boys who were suspended are available again, which is good. When we’re at our strongest we’re always confident we can get results, so hopefully we have as many players back with us as possible.”
