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But what does ‘OK’ actually mean? Does OK mean Jarrod Bowen is well enough to start when West Ham United kick-off against James Morrison’s promotion-seeking Baggies today at 3pm?
TalkingPoints
Nuno is praying on Bowen's fitness, but who should replace him if the skipper misses out? Let us know why below! 👇
Young Josh Ajala dropped back into the Under-21s last week in search of more game time. If Bowen’s issue was serious enough to keep him out of the matchday squad – fortunately, that does not seem a likely outcome – then Ajala would fancy his chances of a return to the roster.
The other option is that Nuno changes formation, and goes with a three-man backline. Kyle Walker-Peters and Solomon/Austbo could start as wing-backs. This is a formation Nuno has used recently, albeit when West Ham were chasing a game like the 2-2 comeback draw at Millwall.
For some of Hammers News’ TalkingPoints users, this would be an interesting chance to see what West Ham look like without their main man.
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dantowen81951
We don’t really have many options on the right to be honest. Obviously, neither Solomon or Austbo are left footers so that restricts the goal threat from that side if Bowen doesn’t start
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antonymmartin84
I agree Dan. In fact, I don’t really see another option unless Nuno completely changed the system to a narrow 4-3-3, which he definitely will never do
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chillout
Bowen is overrated in my view. And God knows why he is Captain – he is hardly inspirational.
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For others, this could be an opportunity for rising talents Austbo or Ajala to prove their worth. Both Joel Piroe and Taty Castellanos have not scored a league goal since the 6-0 thrashing of Wrexham in September; how would they respond to the additional pressure if Nuno starts Bowen on the bench?
“My guess would be Nuno would start Austbo and Solomon. Not that that would be my choice…”
“Ajala; give him a go. He seems like he’s going to be quality.”
“Can’t just rely on one player. There must be others; [Thomas] Soucek and Piroe and Ajala.”
Speaking on Friday, Nuno confirmed what we already knew. Star centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos will be absent for at least a couple of weeks. Keiber Lamadrid and Joel Veltman are also struggling. As for Bowen’s availability, we’ll have our answer in about an hour’s time.
“We have some doubts, some players who are still in contention who need evaluating. There is a situation with Dinos, Joel and Keiber [Lamadrid],” Nuno said. “It’s Dinos’ knee. We were concerned about the injury, but thankfully it’s not as serious as we thought. Let’s see. Dinos is a very important player for us.
“Jarrod twisted his ankle in training, but he’s been with us today and he seems OK.”
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