David Moyes has a small injury crisis on his hands ahead of his first game as West Ham manager with as many as four key players missing out, according to Football London.
The Trinity Mirror site claim that striker Javier Hernandez has been ruled out for up to three weeks with the hamstring injury he picked up on international duty with Mexico.
Attacking midfielder Michail Antonio will miss the game with the rib complaint that he picked up against Brighton, with fellow wing-back Sam Byram also out.
Central defender Jose Fonte is an expected long-term absentee after picking up an ankle injury that could see him out for 2-3 months.
Finally, New Zealand international Winston Reid could miss the game due to his country’s crucial World Cup play-off on Thursday morning (UK time). Reid’s travels with his national team mean it is possible he will be ruled out with fatigue.
There is however some good news for Hammers fans, with James Collins expected to make his return from an ankle injury that has kept him out since September.
Moyes starts life as Hammers boss with a trip to Vicarage Road to face Watford on Sunday the 19th of November.
OPINION
As long as James Collins does indeed make his return from injury, then Moyes should still be able to field a decent starting XI. If Collins remains out, then Moyes will be left with Angelo Ogbonna as his only recognised central defender, and Cheikhou Kouyate will likely have to drop back from midfield. Elsewhere on the pitch Moyes should be able to deal with these absences, with Andre Ayew, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho providing three solid options up front.