Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told This is Futbol that Declan Rice is “instrumental in every way” to West Ham following his recent injury blow.
The midfielder, who’d been ever-present for the Hammers in the Premier League this season before missing West Ham last two matches through injury, with David Ornstein claiming he will be out for between four-five weeks with a knee problem.
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Rice sustained the issue during England’s recent World Cup qualifier against Poland, and is now expected to spend the next month on the sidelines, meaning he’ll be ruled out for at least their next few league games, including the key London derby with Chelsea later this month.
West Ham currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings after beating Wolves and Leicester, who they moved to within a point of following their nail-biting 3-2 victory against Brendan Rodgers’ men last weekend.
But David Moyes will be without his skipper, and potentially club captain Mark Noble too following the arm injury he suffered against the Foxes, and Bent told This is Futbol that Rice’s absence is a massive blow for the Hammers:
“Massive. He’s instrumental in every way. It’s a massive blow, hopefully it’s not too bad. From what I’ve heard, he’s strained his ligaments. I’m sure David will bring in Noble and other players to bolster up the side.”
West Ham didn’t feel Rice’s absence against Wolves and Leicester too much, and they look in a good position to bring Champions League football to the London Stadium for the first time.