A number of West Ham ham fans have taken to social media to react to the worrying sight of star striker Marko Arnautovic appearing to limp in a video of the side training behind the scenes.
The Hammers posted the clip of the Austrian striker impressing his teammates with a volley which hit the crossbar on their official Twitter account, before showing him running off to join the rest of the side in a training drill.
Arnautovic: Nobes, how much to hit the crossbar from here?
*volleys from halfway line*
Noble: Oh my lord! pic.twitter.com/s2t1Z6LGOB— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 19, 2018
However, the forward did not look like he was running comfortably, and the fans immediately turned to Twitter to voice their concerns over the Austrian, with many wondering whether he would be fit enough to take on Tottenham in their Premier League clash.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
Looks doubtful for tomorrow with that limp!
— Kevin (@Kevin10whu) October 19, 2018
Tactical limp
— David Lambourne ? ?? ? (@Lambo1966) October 19, 2018
that knee is definitely not okay
— GameRiot (@GameRiotArmy) October 19, 2018
Why is Arnie limping?
— lee easterbrook (@lee12345677879) October 19, 2018
Please don't turn our man into any injury machine! He could of done with rest over the break but did score for Austria!
— J (@BurchettJason) October 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/Irons_42/status/1053274890630037505
https://twitter.com/luke_pearse/status/1053275209652936704
Opinion
Truth be told, Arnautovic does not look in good shape, and the supporters are right to be worried about their star man. It could be that he picked up a knock in training, or perhaps he is even just being cheeky and putting on a limp for the cameras, but that would do nothing to calm the fears of the West Ham faithful, who have been worried about his fitness all season. Is that knee injury causing him bother in training? Is this what he looks like when he has not taken whatever pain relieving methods he does to make sure he can take part in games? If that is the case, then the Hammers need to get it sorted sooner rather than later, for he cannot hide that he is walking wounded. Is a short term absence worth getting the niggle gone, rather than some long term injury layoff? Absolutely.