West Ham United are preparing for tonight’s trip to Lincoln City with just one prominent injury concern, according to head coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
The Hammers visit Sincil Bank as we look to respond to Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United. Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have spoken about building City’s attacking threat at Championship level, and the latest update from the visitors suggests we will face a side with most of its options available.
Venezuelan midfielder Keiber Lamadrid remains unavailable, although several other players are being assessed after picking up knocks. Mohamadou Kanté is back in contention after completing a one-match suspension, giving Nuno another option for the trip.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, as reported by West Ham’s official website, the Portuguese described the remaining fitness checks as routine.
“It’s just the normal things that you have between games.
“Some of the players have knocks, and you have to treat them and assess them. We don’t have anything major to deal with besides the situation with Keiber, who is unable to play again.”
Lamadrid has made two appearances for West Ham this season, but has been sidelined with a knee problem since the beginning of September. His most recent outing came in the 4-2 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 1 September, when he played the final 21 minutes.
The 22-year-old initially joined the Hammers on loan from Deportivo La Guaira in January, before making the move permanent for an undisclosed fee in June. He made his senior West Ham debut in February’s FA Cup victory over Burton Albion, having already scored on his first appearance for their under-21 side against Middlesbrough.
Born in Caracas, Lamadrid made 96 league appearances for La Guaira, scoring 14 goals, before his move to England. Primarily a left winger or left midfielder, he also played at left-back and in central midfield in Venezuela, and made his senior international debut against Canada last November.
Nuno’s update offered no suggestion of any further major absences, although those carrying knocks still need to be assessed. He also emphasised the importance of having the whole squad ready across the campaign.
“Apart from that, all of the players are working hard, and we have to make decisions for the team. We are going to need everyone, because of course it’s a long season.”
City have had some encouraging news of our own, with Andrei Coubiș back in training and available after the knee issue he picked up on international duty. Reeco Hackett is entering the final stage of his concussion protocol on Tuesday, while Ethan Wheatley’s ankle problem has left him touch and go for tonight.
Mason Melia is also progressing, although his recovery has not yet reached the point of a return to action. Tom Shaw indicated that the Tottenham Hotspur loanee could be back on the grass within a week to ten days.
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