West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo has issued a critical injury update as his team braces for a demanding series of Premier League fixtures. The Hammers are currently sweating on the fitness of forward Pablo Felipe, whose return could be pivotal in their fight against relegation.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Key Matches
Pablo Felipe, who joined West Ham in January, has been instrumental in revitalizing the squad with his dynamic performances in an attacking midfield role. However, he remains sidelined, with Santo confirming that the player is undergoing an individual rehabilitation program. "He didn't join us yet," Santo stated. "He's starting his individual programme, so he's improving day by day. We'll keep assessing him and see when he can return. Hopefully it's soon, because we miss him."
Challenging Fixture List
West Ham's upcoming schedule includes matches against Liverpool, Fulham, Manchester City, and Aston Villa over the next four games. This tough run precedes a crucial encounter with bottom-placed Wolves, which could be decisive in their survival bid. The Hammers have recently narrowed the gap to safety to just two points, thanks to an unexpected surge in form and strategic January signings.
Santo emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum, noting, "I think we've been performing well, in the league and in the cup, where we did the job that we had to do. Unfortunately some of the results haven't quite come, but in terms of performances, I think we're improving different aspects and we've had some clean sheets, which always motivates us."
Team Morale and Strategy
Despite the injury setback, Santo expressed confidence in his squad's resilience and unity. "Good performances always help, in terms of the atmosphere," he said. "It's been a very good week of work and we still have tomorrow, but the atmosphere is good. So, we're confident. We realise how tough the situation is, but we want to stand up to the challenge."
The manager highlighted the need for adaptability, adding, "Every player is important, and our decisions depend on what the games demand. We always look to see what we think the team needs, and we will always look to use the squad in the right moments."
West Ham's improved results have injected belief into the team, but securing points against top-tier opponents like Liverpool and Manchester City will be essential to avoid relegation. The absence of Pablo Felipe adds an extra layer of difficulty to their upcoming challenges.
