West Ham record signing Marko Arnautovic is to hand David Moyes a boost and play through the pain barrier against Leicester, according to Claret and Hugh.
The West Ham news site, run by Hammers insider Hugh Southon, report that Arnautovic has been told his thumb is not broken, and that the winger wants to play on Friday against the Foxes.
Arnautovic injured his thumb as the Hammers fell 2-0 to Watford in Moyes’ first game in charge, and initial assessments suggested a possible break.
The winger’s thumb will reportedly be heavily bandaged and he will be given painkillers as West Ham go in search of a first win under Moyes.
After sustaining the injury against Watford, Arnautovic is said to have pleaded to stay on the pitch, but was removed from the field and replaced by Arthur Masuaku.
OPINION
If this report is true and Arnautovic is willing to fight through the pain barrier against Leicester, then it is exactly the response that Moyes would have wanted from his winger. Moyes has challenged Arnautovic to become more of a team player as the Hammers look to avoid relegation, and this would be a brilliant step forward for the Austrian. While Arnautovic was unable to prevent his side falling to a disappointing opening defeat for Moyes, you can’t help but feel as though the Austrian will be key to their survival chances. If he heeds Moyes’ words and becomes more of a team player, then Arnautovic could spearhead the rest of the Hammers’ season.