[ad_1]
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui has admitted he is “not optimistic” about the nature of Jean-Clair Todibo’s injury.
The defender was forced off in the 53rd minute of Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester City and was replaced by Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Lopetegui did not disclose the nature of the injury but Todibo has endured calf problems this season. The 25-year-old centre-back, who joined in August on a season-long loan from Nice, previously missed games against Leicester City and Bournemouth with injury this season.
“We don’t know exactly (the nature of his injury),” said Lopetegui. “We have to assess him tomorrow, but I am not optimistic with him. We suffered an injury yesterday with Emerson (Palmieri) too in the last training session, that’s why he was not here.”
Todibo was substituted in the 53rd minute for Konstantious Mavropanos, but West Ham conceded two goals within five minutes of Todibo’s withdrawal. The defender has been a solid performer but now joins captain Jarrod Bowen and full-back Emerson Palmieri on the sidelines.
West Ham have conceded nine goals in their last two league games, but Lopetegui was reluctant to express concern on any defensive issues
“We are not thinking about the number (conceded) from the previous match,” he said. “I am thinking about today’s match. They have been very different matches, in my opinion. It is a frustrating day.”
West Ham return to action with an away game against Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday, January 10.
GO DEEPER
West Ham’s 2024: The European run, a bold appointment as manager, and Michail Antonio’s crash
(MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
[ad_2]
Source link