With West Ham reportedly set to be without Manuel Lanzini for six weeks, the Hammers might as well have their hands tied in the relegation dogfight.
The Times claim that the attacking midfielder sustained a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, and was now set to miss crucial clashes against relegation rivals.
If the newspaper is right, Lanzini is set to miss the games against Crystal Palace, Watford, Swansea City and Brighton, before returning in early March.
These games could decide West Ham’s fate come the end of the season; as they are currently sat only four points clear of the drop zone.
The 24-year-old is a key member of David Moyes’ squad, and without him, they’ll struggle to get points in their important fixtures.
West Ham have already shown that they are unable to cope without Lanzini this season, as the player has already missed six league matches.
The attacking midfielder missed five of these matches due to a knee injury, and one due to being suspended.
In these six league games, the Hammers only picked up four points out of a possible 18 available.
The majority of these matches were played at the start of the season; and what led to West Ham looking like favourites for the drop early on.
Moyes’ arrival at the club has since led to some promising results which have shot the Hammers up the table, even if they’re only four points clear of the relegation zone.
However, Moyes will know that if the Hammers were to suffer a similar run of form again, due to Lanzini’s absence, then they would be in deep trouble.
Especially, as the points would be going to those behind them in the table; which would cause West Ham to go crashing down the league.
The effect of Lanzini’s injury is set to be worse this time around, not just because time is running out to earn points, but because of the level of cover there is for him.
Moyes has already spoken about the Hammers not having enough depth in midfield to Sky Sports,and as of yet haven’t improved the scenario in the January transfer window.
Aside from just having the bodies to cover Lanzini’s absense, with the attacking midfielder scoring three and creating eight goals this season; it’s hard to know who will provide the creative spark in his absence, let alone the goals.
Andy Carroll is out for three months according to the same Times’ report, and Javier Hernandez has only score five goals in 22 appearances.
Therefore, without Lanzini, Marko Arnautovic is the only capable attacking presence left standing at West Ham, and he can’t do it alone.
The only solution is for Moyes to act quickly in the January transfer market in order to add someone to his squad, who can make an instant impact.
If West Ham don’t sign a replacement, Lanzini’s absence all but guarantees that the Hammers will hand vital points to their rivals; which will see them dangerously close to moving to the Championship.