A West Ham insider has revealed that there is genuine concern over the ankle injury suffered by right-back Ryan Fredericks against Huddersfield at the weekend.
The jet-heeled wide man was introduced in the second half against the Terriers but was then forced from the pitch in the closing minutes after twisting his ankle.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini had claimed after the game that Fredericks was struggling to walk, and a club insider has now confirmed that the injury looks bad.
As quoted by Claret and Hugh, the senior Hammers source said: “It looks bad and we shall be scanning later in the week. It really is a blow.”
OPINION
By all accounts it looks as though Fredericks could well be set for a relatively lengthy period on the sidelines after this injury blow. While the former Fulham flyer is not a regular starter for West Ham at the moment, that is still a blow for the Hammers as they look to climb the table over the winter schedule. Fredericks is a useful asset off the bench for Pellegrini, with his express pace making him a huge threat down the right flank going forward. Counterpart Pablo Zabaleta obviously lacks such speed, making those two a nice combination for Pellegrini to have at right-back. As it is, it looks like Pellegrini may be relying on Zabaleta in the weeks following the international break, and that will be a massive concern. Zabaleta is now 33 years old, and may struggle to play 90 minutes every match if the Hammers are in the midst of a busy winter. Pellegrini may therefore be forced into creating a makeshift right-back at times, and will be desperate to keep Zabaleta fit until Fredericks is ready to return.