The rather disturbing news concerning Kurt Zouma could come as a major relief to fellow West Ham United defender Issa Diop.
Following footage that emerged of the French defender concerning his cat, it has been reported by the Evening Standard that he could face the axe from their game against Watford in the Premier League this evening.
Zouma’s place in the squad had initially been in doubt due to an injury scare. Club insider ExWHUemployee had reported: “He injured the same knee that was injured before when treading on the ball in [Saturday’s] game. Whilst Moyes described him as being ‘ok’, more scans are needed to see if this is actually the case.”
However, Hammers boss David Moyes clarified before the game (and before the footage emerged) that he was fit to play against the Hornets.
So in light of recent developments, what could be in store for the Hammers without Zouma in the side?
A chance for Diop to redeem himself
If Zouma were to be left out for a significant amount of time, or indeed axed from the team altogether, this could provide Diop with a chance to make amends for his performance at the weekend against Kidderminster Harriers, which was described by journalist Jack Rosser in the Evening Standard as ‘a nightmare 45 minutes’ which saw him taken off at half time.
Having been a fringe player for most of the season, with Craig Dawson and Zouma the preferred central defenders before the Frenchman’s previous injury, 25-year-old Diop didn’t exactly do much at Kidderminster to convince that he should be given another chance to become a regular.
However, given what has happened to Zouma, that chance might very well end up being forced upon him. Let’s just hope he does better against Premier League and European opposition than he did against the non-leaguers in the end.
Should West Ham sell Issa Diop?
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A major warning to the club and David Moyes
Perhaps this can also serve as a warning to those in charge that the club needs investment. Central defence is just one part of the squad that the club are lacking in when it comes to having options to choose from – and is the same issue they have at centre-forward.
And whilst they might be able to get through this season, when the summer comes around, bringing in strength in depth is arguably going to be key for them in the transfer window if they are going to take the success they have built up in the past few years and make it a long-term thing.
In other news: ExWHUemployee: David Moyes wants 28 y/o at West Ham; he’s a Will Salthouse client