West Ham United insider @ExWHUemployee has revealed why Fabian Balbuena and Vladimir Coufal missed the Hammers’ latest match.
During the current round of Premier League fixtures, the Irons travelled to St. Mary’s Stadium and played out a 0-0 draw with Southampton (per BBC).
Two notable absences for David Moyes’ side were Coufal and Balbuena, with the former not coming off the bench and the latter not included in the squad.
That was after both players started for the Hammers during the 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday (per Transfermarkt).
In the latest episode of The West Ham Way Podcast, @ExWHUemployee revealed why the two players did not feature against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side after giving an injury update on the squad.
He said: “I think that’s all the other injuries, everyone else that didn’t play, so, Balbuena and Coufal – those two.
“They weren’t injuries, they were just rested for the game.”
TIF Thoughts on what @ExWHUemployee said about Fabian Balbuena and Vladimir Coufal…
As can be seen in that the in-the-know podcaster had to say, the two players missed the clash with the Saints as they were being rested by Moyes.
Would you class both Coufal and Balbuena as key players for West Ham?
Yes, quality players
No, not that good
The fact that neither player is injured will likely come as a relief to West Ham supporters as they have been key performers for the Irons so far this season.
Over 12 league appearances, Coufal has earned an impressive 7.00/10 average rating for the Hammers, making him their joint-third-best performer in the top flight (per WhoScored).
Meanwhile, Balbuena has earned a weaker but still impressive 6.82/10 average rating, making him West Ham’s ninth-best performer.
So, hopefully, for Moyes and the Irons, the two players are fit enough to start against Everton on Friday after being rested against Southampton.