West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Jack Wilshere will not be considered for this weekend’s home game against Crystal Palace. The midfielder made his return in their 3-0 win over Newcastle last weekend and even set up Felipe Anderson for a late goal, but was not in the squad for the midweek game against Cardiff. Pellegrini later said that it was an issue with his other ankle, and today confirmed in his pre-game presser that the 26 year old will “not be risked” on Saturday against Palace.
Pellegrini also added that Marko Arnautovic would be out for around a month with the hamstring injury he picked up against Cardiff. The Austrian limped off the field at the London Stadium just minutes after conceding a penalty for a silly foul on Junior Hoilett. Fortunately for the Hammers, Joe Ralls’ poor spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski- a pivotal moment in the game.
Arnautovic’s injury could open the door for an extended run for Lucas Perez, who replaced him on Tuesday night and scored a brace, or Andy Carroll, who managed around half an hour of playing time against the Bluebirds as a substitute for Javier Hernandez.
Palace were beaten 3-1 by ten man Brighton in midweek, with some horror defending proving to be the Eagles’ undoing on the South Coast.
There is no question that Arnautovic will be missed- despite his somewhat average performances against both Newcastle and Cardiff, he remains a talismanic figure, and his absence will put more pressure on Felipe Anderson, who now appears to be the side’s main creative outlet along with the revitalised Robert Snodgrass.
The Hammers secured back to back Premier League wins for the first time in nearly two years with their victory over the Bluebirds, and will be attempting to make it three in a row this weekend against Palace, who have won only one of their last ten fixtures in all competitions.
How long will it be till we have Lanzini back?
If Arnie’s away, need some flair in the guy who plays behind his replacement in the 4-2-3-1.