Liverpool are approaching their upcoming match against West Ham with confidence, boosted by recent updates on their opponents’ squad. According to Hammers News, Julen Lopetegui’s team is facing a number of setbacks that could heavily affect the upcoming fixture.
West Ham will be missing five key players. Max Kilman was forced off in their last match due to a mysterious shoulder injury sustained without any apparent contact. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who had been in excellent form, suffered a concussion after a head injury and had to be stretchered off. Midfielder Carlos Soler, who was substituted at halftime, is dealing with a serious knee issue, making him unlikely to play against Liverpool given the short recovery time.
To make matters worse for Lopetegui, central midfielders Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez will both be unavailable due to suspensions after receiving yellow cards in their last match. These absences will leave West Ham’s midfield severely depleted, presenting a significant challenge for the Spanish manager as he attempts to field a competitive side.
Although the return of Lucas Paquetá from suspension offers some relief, it is unlikely to fully counterbalance the impact of the injuries and suspensions. Lopetegui faces a difficult selection task as he prepares for Liverpool’s visit.
On the other hand, Liverpool also have injury concerns, though there is hope for the return of Federico Chiesa, who could soon feature more regularly in the squad. The Reds will aim to carry their strong form, which has seen them claim the top spot in the league, into this match.
In their previous Carabao Cup encounter, Lopetegui voiced frustration over refereeing decisions, hinting that West Ham may be seeking retribution this time around. However, Liverpool fans will be hopeful that their team’s impressive run continues, leaving West Ham with little chance to challenge.
With the Reds in strong form and West Ham dealing with major squad issues, all signs point to another positive result for Liverpool.
