West Ham United face a daunting trip to St James’ Park tonight, already grappling with a growing injury crisis.
Mohammed Kudus is suspended, while summer signing Niclas Fullkrug remains sidelined through injury.
But manager Julen Lopetegui hinted at even more concerns during his pre-match press conference, cryptically referring to “a little problem with two players.”
At the time, his remarks raised little alarm, but reports from the respected Claret and Hugh website have since shed light on the situation.
According to the site, the two players in question are key men Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, whose potential absence would be a significant blow for the Hammers.
The timing couldn’t be worse for West Ham, who have endured a rocky spell since the international break, including a humbling 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and a goalless draw at home to Everton.
Fans have been vocal about their concerns, with optimism in short supply ahead of their clash with Newcastle.
Should Bowen and Paqueta join Kudus and Fullkrug on the sidelines, it would hand Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side a significant advantage.
A home win tonight would see Newcastle close to within two points of second place in the Premier League, capitalising on favourable results over the weekend.
For West Ham, Lopetegui’s squad depth and tactical nous will be tested like never before, as they look to weather this challenging period.
